Sturken Cedes Executive Duties at Spartan

SN STAFF

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Craig Sturken, executive chairman of Spartan Stores here, will retire from that role, although he will remain chairman and a "close advisor to the company," Spartan said Friday.

"While the board and I agreed that stepping back from my executive responsibilities is the appropriate next step in our executive leadership transition process, I intend to remain an active and constructive leader of the board," Sturken said in a prepared statement.

Sturken, who joined the retailer and wholesaler in 2003 as president and chief executive officer, was named chairman later that year and became executive chairman in 2008, when he was succeeded by the current president and CEO, Dennis Eidson.

"We are pleased that Craig is remaining an active and valued member of our board as we continue to position Spartan Stores for long term profitable growth," said Eidson. "We appreciate the many contributions that Craig has made to our company while serving as an executive employee.