Best Buy ties

Some of the top managers recently hired by Roanoke, Va.-based Advance Auto Parts. All will be based in the Twin Cities, where Advance is adding 100 new jobs in merchandising and supply-side operations.

Darren Jackson, CEO

Was vice president of customer operating groups for Best Buy when he took the job as chief of Advance Auto Parts. Spent most of his seven-year career at Best Buy as chief financial officer.

Mike Norona, executive vice president, chief financial officer

Former Best Buy president of financial services, after heading the financial operations of Canadian electronics retailer Future Shop, which Best Buy acquired in 2001.

Kevin Freeland, executive vice president merchandising supply chain and information technology

Started his own consulting firm, Optimal Advantage, after spending eight years at Best Buy as senior vice president of inventory and president of the Musicland division.

Founded eq-life, a Best Buy spinoff that failed to take root as a retail business but also provides consulting services in the retail health care industry. At Best Buy he was a senior vice president of retail operations, loss prevention and risk management.

Judd Nystrom, vice president, finance and investor relations