- published: 06 May 2015
- views: 75
Coordinates: 58°13′13″N 6°22′59″W / 58.220163°N 6.38301°W / 58.220163; -6.38301
Lewis (Scottish Gaelic: Leòdhas, pronounced [ʎɔː.əs̪], also Isle of Lewis) is the northern part of Lewis and Harris, the largest island of the Western Isles or Outer Hebrides (an archipelago) of Scotland. The total area of Lewis is 683 square miles (1,770 km2).
Lewis is, in general, the lower lying part of Lewis and Harris, with the other part, Harris, being more mountainous. The flatter, more fertile land means Lewis contains the largest settlement, Stornoway, and three-quarters of the population of the Western Isles. Beyond human habitation, the island's diverse habitats are home to an assortment of flora and fauna, such as the golden eagle, red deer and seals and are recognised in a number of conservation areas.
Lewis is of Presbyterian tradition with a rich history, having once been part of the Norse Kingdom of Mann and the Isles. Today, life is very different from elsewhere in Scotland with Sabbath observance, the Gaelic language and peat cutting retaining more importance than elsewhere. Lewis has a rich cultural heritage as can be seen from its myths and legends as well as the local literary and musical traditions.
Aylwin B. Lewis (born May 28, 1954) is an African American businessman. He is formerly the interim Chief Executive Officer and President of Sears Holdings Corporation and currently the CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works.
Sears Holdings was created in connection with the merger of Kmart and Sears, which was completed on March 24, 2005. The company generates approximately $55 billion in annual revenues and includes approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores and related service businesses in the United States and Canada.
Lewis joined Kmart as President and Chief Executive Officer on October 18, 2004 from Yum! Brands, where he was President, Chief Multi-Branding and Operating Officer. He was a 13-year veteran of YUM! Brands, and was in the restaurant industry for 26 years, beginning his career as a Restaurant General Manager and rising through the ranks to his most recent position at YUM!
Lewis is also a member of the Board of Directors of The Walt Disney Company and Halliburton.
He holds the following academic degrees: BA in English ('76), BS in hotel and restaurant management ('76), and an MBA ('90)—all from the University of Houston. Aylwin Lewis also received a master's degree from Houston Baptist University.