Loblaw Names Davis New CFO 2010-01-25

TORONTO — Loblaw Cos. here said last week that Sarah Davis has been named chief financial officer of the company, effective May 5. She is currently executive vice president, finance, at the Canadian supermarket operator. She succeeds Bob Vaux, who is currently CFO of both Loblaw and parent company George Weston Ltd. Vaux will continue as CFO of George Weston. Davis, who joined Loblaw in 2007, has more than 20 years of financial management experience in senior positions at publicly traded Canadian companies in the telecommunications industries. “Sarah is an extremely qualified finance executive who has demonstrated her broader capabilities since joining our management team,” said Allan Leighton, president and deputy chairman of Loblaw. “Her skill sets will be valuable to us as we complete our turnaround and beyond.”

MACHERAS NAMED TO DELHAIZE BOARD

BRUSSELS — Delhaize Group here said that Kostas Macheras has been appointed to its executive committee. Macheras is chief executive officer of Delhaize's Alfa-Beta and Mega Image chains in Greece and Romania, respectively. Macheras began his retail career in the U.S. as a purchasing manager at Quality Super Market in Chicago and later spent 12 years with Mars Inc. in the Baltimore area.

BRACKETT PLANS TO LEAVE GMA IN 2010

WASHINGTON — Grocery Manufacturers Association said last week that Robert Brackett, senior vice president for scientific and regulatory affairs and chief science officer, will leave the association later this year. “The time has come for me to pursue the next professional challenge of my career,” he said in a prepared statement, noting that he would remain with GMA during a search for a successor. Brackett “came to GMA at a critical time for the association and has had an immeasurable impact,” said Pamela G. Bailey, GMA president and chief executive officer. “Identifying a successor for Bob Brackett will not be an easy task.”