Meijer Promotes Symancyk to COO, Names Whitsett Merchandising EVP

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer here on Friday said it had promoted J.K. Symancyk to the newly created role of chief operating officer for the company, and that it has hired Peter Whitsett to take over Symancyk’s role as executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.
 
“I am extremely pleased to announce this new role for J.K., as well as the addition of Peter Whitsett to the Meijer team,” Hank Meijer, co-chairman and chief executive officer of Meijer, said in a statement. “As we position our company for continued growth, it’s essential that we have the proper structure and talent. This evolution of our leadership team under Mark Murray will help ensure our company’s ongoing success in a very competitive industry.”
 
Symancyk will report directly to Murray, president of Meijer, and will have three direct reports: Janet Emerson, executive vice president of retail operations; Rick Keyes, executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing; and Whitsett.
 
Whitsett most recently served as executive vice president of global merchandising for Dick’s Sporting Goods and has an extensive background in leadership roles with retail brands including Kmart and Radio Shack.