Personnel Updates:
AB Acquisition LLC, which operates Albertsons LLC and New Albertsons Inc., said Rick Navarro has been named Chief Administrative Officer, and Robert Dimond has been named to succeed him as CFO. Shane Sampson, currently the President of Boston-based Shaw’s and Star Markets Division, has been appointed President of the Jewel-Osco Division based in Chicago. At the same time, Jim Rice, who has been serving as Interim Division President of Jewel-Osco, is being promoted to President of Shaw’s, replacing Sampson.
Ahold’s Giant-Carlisle division named Tom Lenkevich as its new President, succeeding Bhavdeep Singh, who served as interim president following Rick Herring’s retirement. He will report to Singh, who serves as Exec VP, Operations for Giant’s parent, Ahold USA.
Big Y Foods promoted Eric A. Swensen to VP of Center Store.
Bristol Farms promoted Adam Caldecott to Exec VP, Retail, a new position designed to provide more opportunity for coordinated marketing, merchandising and operational effectiveness.
Coborns Inc. named Tom Velin, CFO. Velin succeeds Pam Osborn, who left Coborn’s at the end of 2013. Dale Monson was named VP, information technology, a new position and Greg Sandeno Exec VP, Sales, a new title. Sandeno was previously President and CEO at C&K Market.
C&K Market has named Karl V. Wissmann COO, a new position.
The Kroger Co. promoted Dennis Gibson to President of its QFC division, based in Seattle. He succeeds Joe Fey, who in January was named President of Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic division.
Price Chopper Supermarkets hired Ryan C. Hill as VP of Construction and Engineering, reporting directly to Scott Grimmett, Exec VP and COO.
Publix Super Markets announced that 40-year veteran Richard Schuler, VP of Distribution, would retire May 2, and will be succeeded by Casey Suarez.
Sobeys named Clinton Keay Exec VP of Finance, reporting to Francois Vimard, Chief financial and administrative officer.
Smart & Final said it has hired Kohl’s Department Stores veteran Eleanor Hong as Senior VP and CMO, a new position.
Weis Markets promoted Kurt Schertle to COO.
Financial Focus:
Core Mark reported fiscal 2013 sales of $9.767 billion.
Loblaw Companies reported fiscal 2013 sales of $32.371 billion.
Kroger reported fiscal 2013 sales of $98.375 billion.
Roundy’s Supermarkets Inc. reported fiscal 2013 sales of $3.949 billion.
Publix Supermarkets Inc. reported fiscal 2013 sales of $28.9 billion.
Safeway Inc. reported fiscal 2013 sales of $36.1 billion.
Sprouts Farmers Market reported fiscal 2013 sales of $2.437 billion.
Weis Markets reported fiscal 2013 sales of $2.69 billion.
Industry Insight:
KeHE Distributors entered into an agreement to supply products to Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, the new natural chain planning 60 stores in the Midwest.
Ahold announced that a new warehouse opening this summer in New Jersey will allow its Peapod division to double its current capacity and better serve around 21 million online and mobile shoppers around metro New York.
The Fresh Market said it would close three locations in Sacramento, CA and one store in Houston to focus on expansion in existing markets.
Mergers and Acquisitions:
Albertsons has agreed to purchase Safeway for nearly $9 billion. If approved, the deal will be finalized in the fourth quarter of 2014 and create a $60 billion supermarket chain with 2,400 locations.
Jewel-Osco has added five more former Dominick’s locations in the Chicago area, bringing the retailer’s number of Dominick’s store purchases to nine.
Real Estate:
CST Brands Inc. will open 40 new stores in 2014, mostly in Houston, San Antonio and South Texas. The company is attempting to off 100 other locations to focus more on its wholesale distribution business in the U.S.
Gelson’s Markets anticipates opening between five and 10 new stores over the medium- to long-range. The company completed its sale to TPG Global from Arden Group.
Green Initiatives:
The Stop & Shop Distribution Center in Freetown, MA, will install its own on-site power system, generating electricity by using spoiled food from its retail stores. The facility is designed to handle 95 tons of spoiled food per day, undergoing a process called anaerobic digestion.