Uwins Out at Fresh & Easy

ELLIOT ZWIEBACH

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market here said Friday its No. 2 executive has left the company as part of a management reshuffling.

The U.S.-based operation — a division of United Kingdom-based Tesco — said Simon Uwins has left his position as chief marketing officer to pursue other interests. Uwins, who joined Tesco in 1984, was part of the research team that came to the U.S. to study consumer habits in 2006, the year before the first Fresh & Easy locations opened in early November 2007.

John Burry has been named to the new post of chief customer officer, with oversight for all marketing, commercial and manufacturing functions.

Burry was also part of the original research team in the U.S. Since the company began opening stores, he has led Fresh & Easy's commercial team to develop its range of products while also overseeing development of the Fresh & Easy Kitchen and the integration of the chain's fresh produce and meat suppliers.

In a statement to SN, Fresh & Easy said, "We constantly review our structures to ensure they most effectively support the business. As the Fresh & Easy business continues to grow and attract more customers, we have decided to combine the commercial and marketing functions to ensure that all our operations, including the kitchen and supply chain, are focused on delivering for our customers.

"The role of chief customer officer is new to Tesco but is common in a number of other large companies. In his new role, Burry will add marketing to his commercial and manufacturing responsibilities [to] ensure we provide customers with a seamless experience as the business continues to grow."