Pearson Named President at Laurel

LONDON, Ky. — Laurel Grocery Co. here said David Pearson has been promoted to president of the company.

As part of a planned succession, Pearson will take the helm from Dennis Butler, who will assume a new role as president of Retail Marketing Corp. — a sister company of Laurel Grocery. Butler will remain on Laurel Grocery’s board of directors.

Pearson joined Laurel Grocery in January of 2011 and has played a key role with Dennis Butler in the restructure of many key components of the company, Laurel said. His career includes an extensive background in both the retail and wholesale side of the industry, including his prior responsibility as president of the Central Region of Supervalu.

Also, Laurel said Gary Crawford would be joining the company as senior vice president of sales and development. In this new role, Crawford will have direct responsibility for the development team and the field staff.

In a related move, Stephen Chesnut will move into his new role as vice president of development, South. John McCurry will continue in his role as a vice president of development with responsibility for the Northern areas.