Save Mart Restructures Management

ELLIOT ZWIEBACH

MODESTO, Calif. — Save Mart Supermarkets here said Friday it has eliminated 36 positions, ranging from vice presidents to clerks and affecting all corporate and support departments — as a way to reduce costs during "the continued depressed state of the economy."

"As the state of the economy is unprecedented, so too are cuts of this kind in the history of Save Mart," the company said.

Save Mart also said the reductions will support its continued efforts to strengthen its position in the marketplace and enhance operational efficiency for future growth.

The biggest management change involves Frank Capps, who was named to the new position of executive vice president and chief sales officer.

Capps was formerly vice president of FoodMaxx, the company's price-impact format, and center store merchandising. Capps will report to Steve Junqueiro, president and chief operating officer. Other executives who retained their posts but will now report to Junquiero are Mike Silveira, executive vice president and chief administrative officer; Dan Miller, vice president of SMART transport; Ray Agah, vice president, engineering and construction; and John Davis, executive director of distribution.

Junqueiro will continue to report to Bob Piccinini, chairman and chief executive officer.