Giant Eagle Names Karet CEO

SN STAFF

Laura Karet

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle here said it has named Laura Shapira Karet as the new chief executive officer of the regional chain, succeeding her father, David Shapira, who will become executive chairman.

The company, which is partly owned by the Shapira family, also said it has named John Lucot president and chief operating officer. Both promotions are effective Jan. 9.

Prior to joining Giant Eagle, Karet, 42 held marketing executive positions at Sara Lee from 1997 to 2000, and before that worked in several brand management roles at Procter & Gamble from 1990 to 1997. She joined Giant Eagle in 2000 as vice president of marketing, and most recently was executive vice president and chief strategy officer.

Locot, 54, had been executive vice president and chief operating officer at Giant Eagle. He started his career in 1974 as a Giant Eagle supermarket clerk.

Shapira had been the CEO of Giant Eagle since 1980 and has been with the company for 41 years.

"Laura has an extensive background in food retailing and manufacturing, both within and outside of Giant Eagle," said Shapira in a statement. "Her amiable and open style has won the respect of our 36,000 team members, customers, suppliers and business partners."