Safeway Names Edwards CEO

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway here on Monday said that Robert L. Edwards, currently the company's president, will succeed Steven A. Burd as chief executive officer when Burd retires as chairman and CEO on May 14.

Robert L. Edwards

Edwards, 57, will also join the company's board of directors.

In addition, Safeway also said that T. Gary Rogers, currently the company's lead independent director, will become non-executive chairman following Burd's retirement.

Edwards joined Safeway as executive vice president and chief financial officer in 2004. In April 2012, he was named president, with responsibility for the company's retail operations, marketing, merchandising, corporate brands, manufacturing, distribution and finance functions. He continued as chief financial officer until Peter J. Bocian succeeded him in that role in February.

Before joining Safeway, Edwards was a senior executive at Maxtor Corp., Imation Corp. and Santa Fe Pacific Corp. He is a director on KKR Financial Holdings and on Blackhawk Network Holdings, a subsidiary of Safeway.

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"Since he arrived here in 2004, Robert has successfully met every challenge he has faced," said Burd. "He has demonstrated the ability to lead the company in all facets of its operations, and has earned the respect of the entire organization."

Burd earlier this year had announced his plan to retire, and Edwards had been considered a leading candidate to succeed him.

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