Plamann to Retire at Unified

LOS ANGELES — Al Plamann, chief executive officer of Unified Grocers here, said Wednesday he plans to retire from the company, effective May 1.

Speaking at the member-owned cooperative's annual meeting, Plamann said, "With Bob Ling's nearly two years of experience as president of the company, an energetic management team in place, a loyal and dedicated group of associates and a strong base of independent retailers, I feel this is an ideal time for me to step back and let this dynamic group take the company to new levels of prosperity."

Al Plamann

Plamann joined Unified's predecessor company, Certified Grocers of California, in 1989 as senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer following 13 years with Atlantic-Richfield Co. here.  He was named president and CEO of Certified in 1993 and spearheaded a merged with United Grocers, Portland, Ore., in 1999 that created Unified Grocers.

"Al Plamann has been a driving force at Unified for decades, helping our company achieve unprecedented levels of success," Ling said. "He has a well-earned reputation as a creative thinker and strategist, and his legacy for these achievements and other contributions will endure in our industry for many years to come."

Besides his position at Unified, Plamann is also vice chairman for the 12th District Economic Advisory Council of the Federal Reserve, as well as a director of Food Marketing Institute and the National Cooperative Grocers Association.

Suggested Categories	More from Supermarketnews
Top 75 Retailers & Wholesalers Top 50 Small Chains & Independents Top 25 Global Retailers 2012 Power 50 SN Photo Galleries	Laws & Regulations Sustainability Supplier News Financial Performance Community Service