DEMME BECOMES BOARD CHAIRMAN AT KINGS
PARSIPPANY, N.J. — Kings Super Markets here has named James A. Demme chairman of its board of directors. He replaces David Roberts, senior managing director at Angelo, Gordon Co., who will continue to serve as a director. Demme belongs to the investor group that acquired Kings from London-based Marks and Spencer in April 2006. Demme is currently a senior advisor to Angelo, Gordon, which is among the investors, and has held positions as chairman or chief executive officer at several companies, including Bruno's Supermarkets, Shaw's Supermarkets, Homeland Stores and Penn Traffic Co. “Kings has repositioned itself for continued success, and its management team has done a remarkable job, in a short period of time, to accomplish the transition,” Demme said. “I look forward to being involved assisting Kings in executing its growth strategy in partnership with its CEO, Bruce Weitz.” Kings is a 26-store chain serving northern New Jersey and New York.
BENNETT JOINS IGA AS VP IN REALIGNMENT
CHICAGO — IGA here said last week that David S. Bennett has been named vice president, procurement and private brands, a new position, effective July 9. IGA said his appointment is part of a reorganization within its U.S.-based corporate office. Administration, communications and event coordination now report directly to Doug Fritsch, vice president and U.S. chief growth officer, while private brands, including national accounts, packaging and customer service, report to Bennett. Previously, all those services had reported to Mark Batenic, chairman and chief executive officer of IGA USA. Bennett, who spent 16 years with Fleming Cos., worked most recently as general manager and senior director of business development for Daymon Worldwide. At IGA he will be responsible for procuring all IGA-brand products and developing new items; he will also control the marketing, development, advertising and sale of private brands to licensed IGA distribution centers in the U.S. He will report to Batenic.
TRANTEN NAMED A DIRECTOR AT AG NEW ENGLAND
PEMBROKE, N.H. — Donald Tranten has been elected to the board of directors of Associated Grocers of New England. A native of Kingfield, Maine, Tranten grew up working in the family store there. He earned a bachelor's degree in business management from Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, in 1978, and then joined the family business, The Tranten Family Inc., which includes a grocery store and a combination convenience store/gas station. AG New England distributes to independent retail stores across New England and into New York.
