MONTVALE, NJ - Benjamin Moore & Co., a unit of Berkshire Hathaway, has appointed Michael Searles to be the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. With 40 years of retail experience, Searles replaces Robert S. Merritt, whose departure from the company was announced September 27. A retail industry veteran, Searles has worked in leadership positions in a number of companies, including Kids "R" Us, Wilsons Leather and most recently Stage Stores Inc.