LOS ANGELES -- Unified Western Grocers here said it recently gave responsibility for the company's general merchandise and health and beauty division to Philip S. Smith, who retains his title of senior vice president of procurement at the $3 billion grocer-owned wholesale-buying cooperative. He also retains responsibility for the company's Hispanic program, corporate brands and candy sales.
ertified and United Grocers of Oregon later merged to form Unified, and Smith was elevated to his current post in December 1999.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Video distributor Ingram Entertainment here said last week that Vern Fross, vice president, sales and marketing, would retire at the end of April after more than 20 years with the company. After his retirement, he will continue to serve as a consultant to the company and will be elected to the board of directors of Ingram Entertainment Holdings, parent of Ingram Entertainment.
Other executive changes effective May 1 include the promotion of Bill Bryant to vice president, sales, with responsibility for account relationships in the grocery, drug and video specialty segments of the marketplace and for Ingram's national sales center in Des Moines, Iowa. Also, John Reding will become senior vice president of sales and marketing, and Bob Geistman will become senior vice president of interactive media.