EXECUTIVE CHANGES 2008-04-21

DOLLAR GENERAL MARKET HEAD LEAVES IN SHAKEUP

GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Wayne Gibson, who joined Dollar General to head up development of its Dollar General Market retail store division, has resigned from the company in a management shakeup, the discounter here said. Gibson was hired in late 2005 to expand the combination store format for Dollar General, which recently announced a slate of turnaround initiatives, including a reduction in new store development. Beryl Buley, division president of merchandising, has also resigned, Dollar General said, while David Bere, president and chief operating officer, was named president and chief strategic officer as part of a new management structure. The company said it will begin a search for a new merchandising head. The merchandising group in the meantime will report directly to Rick Dreiling, chief executive officer.

FANDERL TO LEAD WAL-MART'S RUSSIAN EXPANSION

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores announced the appointment of Stephan Fanderl as president of Wal-Mart Emerging Markets — East. In this role, he will lead the company's efforts to explore retail business opportunities in Russia and neighboring markets. Fanderl comes to Wal-Mart from the Rewe Group, a prominent German retailer and travel company. In 2006, he was appointed a board member and head of hypermarkets and supermarkets for Rewe Germany, with gross revenues of 13 billion euros. “We are exceptionally pleased to have Stephan Fanderl join Wal-Mart Stores,” said Mike Duke, vice chairman. “He has outstanding managerial skills and has successfully developed Rewe's business in Germany and eight Eastern European countries.” Prior to Rewe, Fanderl held roles at Metro Holding AG in Germany and Poland, and Germany-based Kienbaum Consultants International GmbH.

WINN-DIXIE ADDS FOUR VPS TO CORPORATE STAFF

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores has announced the addition of four new associates to its corporate headquarters staff here to oversee compensation and benefits, pricing, private label and Center Store merchandising. Mark Tanis was named vice president of compensation and benefits. He previously worked at Watson Wyatt Worldwide and Hewitt Associates. Chris Vukich has joined Winn-Dixie as the vice president of pricing. Prior to joining Winn-Dixie, he worked at Dell Computer and at Wal-Mart International. Joe McKie, vice president of corporate brands, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company's corporate-brands initiative, including the redesign and relaunch of its private-label products. He previously held positions at Federated Group and at Daymon Worldwide, and most recently McKie was president and CEO of Kreative Brand Solutions. Matt Gutermuth is now vice president of Center Store and is responsible for overseeing buying and merchandising efforts for the department. His career includes stints at Kraft Foods, Nabisco and PepsiCo. Before joining Winn-Dixie, he held several executive roles at Safeway, most recently as president and chief executive officer of Safeway.com. Tanis reports to Anthony Austin, senior vice president of human resources; the others report to Dan Portnoy, senior vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer.

TOPS PROMOTES EIGHT TO LEADERSHIP ROLES

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. — Tops Markets here has announced new assignments for eight associates who will be responsible for leading initiatives and operations. Karl Oesterle (with Tops for eight years) becomes director of advertising; Ken Schaeffer (18 years) is director of finance and budgets; Kristine Wydro (15 years) is director of human resources; Frank Wolff (nine years) is director of pharmacy; Gary Geitter (35 years) is director of asset protection; Dave Bordonaro (34 years) is director of non-perishables; Jim Lane (30 years) is director of meat and seafood; and Katie McKenna (three years) is manager of communications and public relations.