GREENVILLE, S.C. -- Brian Hotarek, who began yesterday as president and chief executive officer at Bi-Lo Holdings here, pledged to continue the strategic plan launched by his predecessor, Dean Cohagan, who is retiring. “I have the benefit of knowing the company and the strategic initiatives and business processes that are under way. The company is well-focused. It will be business as usual,” Hotarek told SN in an interview. A former chief financial officer at Ahold USA Retail and Stop & Shop, Hotarek joined Bi-Lo‘s board of directors last summer. He said Bi-Lo intends to increase capital expenditures this year, with eight to 10 new or replacement stores on the calendar as well as a number of major and minor remodels. The company will also invest in technology to sharpen pricing, run more effective promotions, and reduce overall costs, he said. Cohagan served as Bi-Lo CEO since 2001 and stayed with the company after it was sold by Ahold to Texas-based investor Lone Star Funds in 2005. Hotarek helped arrange that deal from Ahold‘s side.
-- Jon Springer
