EXECUTIVE CHANGES: BJ'S WHOLESALE TAPS PATTERSON FOR PRODUCE...PENN TRAFFIC APPOINTS PRODUCE/FLORAL VP...BI-LO/BRUNO'S ANNOUNCES TOP FRESH APPOINTMENTS

BJ'S WHOLESALE TAPS PATTERSON FOR PRODUCE

has appointed Jeff Patterson assistant vice president/manager of produce, a new position within the company, reflecting the retailer's intention to increase volume and sales in the category, according to chain officials. He reports to Brian Riccio, vice president/divisional merchandising manager.

Patterson, most recently director of produce for New Orleans-based Sav-A-Center Supermarkets, a division of A&P, will be responsible for increasing awareness of produce, partnering with grower/shippers to facilitate demand, category management, training and merchandising initiatives, among other things. Earlier in his career, he held positions at the Bi-Lo division of Ahold USA, Dick's Supermarkets, Hilander Foods and Eagle Foods. Patterson has served on the board of directors of the Produce Marketing Association, and was PMA's expo chairman in 2002.

PENN TRAFFIC APPOINTS PRODUCE/FLORAL VP

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Penn Traffic Co. has named Jerry Lavely vice president of produce and floral, responsible for supervision of purchasing, sales and marketing, logistics, pricing strategies and advertising. He replaces Ron Szczepanski, and will report to Leslie Knox, senior vice president of merchandising.

Before the appointment, Lavely was chief executive officer of The Foodmeisters, a consulting firm he founded. Prior retail experience includes executive positions at Finast Supermarkets and Kohl's Food Stores. Penn Traffic operates 211 supermarkets in six states, and operates a wholesale distribution division serving more than 100 stores.

BI-LO/BRUNO'S ANNOUNCES TOP FRESH APPOINTMENTS

MAULDIN, S.C. -- Bi-Lo/Bruno's has announced top-level appointments in the restructuring of its organization. As announced by parent company Ahold USA in January of this year, the two companies are combining many of their business functions.

Michael Yakovsky has been named vice president of meat/seafood, responsible for management of the entire category, including sourcing, merchandising and promotion. He joined Bruno's in 1999 as vice president of meat/seafood/deli/bakery. Before joining Bruno's, Yakovsky worked with Brookshire Bros. and The Kroger Co.

Steve Mayer has joined the company as vice president of produce/floral marketing, responsible for management of all aspects of the category, including procurement, merchandising and promotion. He has more than 23 years in the grocery business, and most recently was vice president of bakery, deli and food service for Meijer Corp., Minneapolis.

Both are newly created positions as a result of the consolidation. Yakovsky and Mayer report to Jim Smits, senior vice president of perishables. Bi-Lo/Bruno's operates nearly 500 supermarkets in seven Southeastern states, and employs over 40,000 associates.