SD Retail Consulting, a retail advisory firm and unit of Hilco Trading, announced that it named Farla Efros as EVP and chief operating officer as part of its strategic efforts to expand the breadth and depth of its senior management team. In her new role, Efros will be responsible for the firm’s Merchandising and Strategy practice area.

Efros brings extensive expertise in merchandising strategy and category management, having worked globally with many of the world’s leading retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. Most recently, she served as EVP and chief merchandising officer of Office Depot where she was selected by the CEO to transform merchandising operations for 1,170 locations across the U.S.

Prior to Office Depot, Efros was SVP of Performance Improvement at an international consulting firm and as partner at The Partnering Group.

“Adding Farla to the leadership team to help expand and grow the SD Retail business is a significant statement about the caliber of talent we plan to offer our clients to help them succeed in today’s rapidly changing retail landscape,” said Antony Karabus, newly-appointed president of the firm. “Recognized as one of the brightest strategic leaders in the retail industry today, Farla’s unique insight and understanding of the challenges our customers face will enable us to deliver the most comprehensive assessment of their business and help them grow.”

Hilco is a privately-held, financial and operational services firm.