TYLER, Texas — Brookshire Grocery Co. here last week said it has named two of its executives to its board of directors. Carolyn Hutson, executive vice president and chief financial officer, and Russ Cooper, executive vice president, general counsel and secretary, were both elected to the board. Both joined the company in 1996. Cooper also serves on the board of the company's ESOP (employee stock ownership plan). “We are confident they will serve all our employees well by providing valuable input on necessary decisions,” said Rick Rayford, president and chief executive officer of Brookshire, which operates 151 stores in three states.
WEIS NAMES BROWN DISTRICT MANAGER
SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets here last week said Janice Brown had joined the company as a district manager for 13 stores in western Maryland and West Virginia. Previously, Brown was a district manager for Price Chopper and has previous experience as a manager and specialist for Wegmans, Giant-Carlisle and Kroger. She joins several other Price Chopper veterans at Weis, including Weis' chief executive officer, David Hepfinger. Weis Markets operates 164 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.
BELCASTRO LEAVES KRAFT FOR GMA POST
WASHINGTON — Longtime CPG industry veteran Denny Belcastro is joining Grocery Manufacturers Association here as executive vice president for industry affairs and membership services, effective July 7, the association said. Belcastro is currently vice president of customer development and industry affairs at Kraft Foods North America, Northfield, Ill., and previously had been with Nabisco and Standard Brands during a 35-year career in the CPG industry. “It's something I am very excited about,” he told SN of the new position. At GMA, Todd Turner, vice president of industry affairs, and Patrick Brookover, vice president of membership and meeting services, will report to him. Pamela Bailey, GMA president and chief executive officer, said Belcastro “is a respected leader in our industry, with strong relationships in the manufacturer and retailer communities. His strategic vision, leadership skills and industry experience make him the ideal person to move GMA's industry affairs and membership services platforms to an even higher level of effectiveness.”
