Personnel Updates

• Hy-Vee Inc. (126) has promoted Jay Marshall to Vice Chairman. Darren Baty will take on the role of Chief Merchandising Officer. Craig Clasen, Senior VP of Retail Business Development, has retired.

• The Kroger Co. (244) announced the departure of Central Division President Pam Matthews, who is retiring. To succeed her, Kroger is promoting Colleen Juergensen to Central Division President. In turn, Steve Dreher is being promoted to President of its Dillons division.

• Publix Super Markets Inc. (384) announced Norman Badger has been promoted to VP of Product Business Development for bakery and meat, succeeding Pete Mowitt, who is retiring.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• 7-Eleven Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire 7 Eleven Stores of Oklahoma, which includes 111 locations.

• National Grocers Association and Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates have halted plans to merge.

• Parkland Fuel Corporation has entered into an agreement to acquire Kellerstrass Oil Co., including its 84-site dealer business. The transaction is expected to close in first-quarter 2020.

Financial Focus

• Fairway Markets said it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and aims to sell all of its stores.

Industry Insight

• The Food Marketing Institute has changed its name to The Food Industry Association.

• Pilot Flying J is changing its name to Pilot Co., bringing all of its related brands under one corporate identity.

Real Estate

• Casey’s General Stores Inc. plans to add about 350 new locations during the next three years.

• Love’s Travel Stops & Country Stores Inc. plans to open up to 40 stores and add about 3,000 parking spots in 2020.

• Lucky’s Market, LLC announced it is planning to shutter as many as 32 of its stores.

Technology News

• The Fresh Market Inc. has launched a new online store in tandem with a new mobile app. The revamped website, at shop.thefreshmarket.com, is designed to make it easier for customers to shop.