Robert L. Mettler, 52, president and chief...

Robert L. Mettler, 52, president and chief executive of the Robinson’s department store chain until it merged with May Co. California recently, has been named president of a new apparel group at Sears, Roebuck & Co. The appointment of the 30-year retailing veteran becomes effective March 1.

Mettler, who will oversee apparel for men, women and children as well as bed and bath items, will report to Sears Merchandise Group Chairman and Chief Executive Arthur C. Martinez. Stock market analysts who follow Sears expect the retailer to emphasize apparel and have noted that Martinez, who is engineering a restructuring of Sears, is a financial expert who will need the assistance of respected merchants such as Mettler.