EXECUTIVE CHANGES 1996-04-01

Dominick's Taps Executive VP

Karst, chief financial officer of Dominick's Finer Foods here, added the title of executive vice president of administration to his duties. Formerly senior vice president and chief financial officer, Karst takes responsibility for overseeing information technology, store development and accounting.

In other changes, Don Rosanova, formerly vice president of distribution, was named to the new post of group vice president and general manager of the Omni division, Dominick's 17-unit superstore operation. Herb Young, formerly senior vice president of marketing, was named group vice president of sales, marketing and advertising, a new position that encompasses the areas he has been overseeing except for procurement. He reports to Mariano.

They report to Bob Mariano, Dominick's president and chief executive officer.

VG's Realigns Executive Suite

FENTON, Mich. -- VG's Food Center here announced several executive changes in conjunction with a corporate restructuring.

Russell Van Gilder Jr., was named chairman, a new position within the company. Since founding VG's in 1976, he had held the title of president.

He was succeeded by his daughter, Lisa Van Gilder, who holds the titles of president and chief executive officer. She was chief financial officer. The title of CEO is new to the company and the chief financial officer position will not immediately be filled.

Russell Van Gilder 3rd, formerly operations manager, was named executive vice president and chief operating officer, a new position with new responsibilities.

Robert Hartley, formerly director of marketing and sales, was named vice president of marketing and sales.

Paul Van Gilder, formerly director of perishables, was named vice president of business development.

Danny Thomas, who was human resources manager, was named vice president of human resources.

All those named above report to Lisa Van Gilder. The positions held by Hartley, Paul Van Gilder and Danny Thomas are new within VG's. VG's Food Center operates 12 stores in southeastern Michigan.

Whole Foods Taps SW Chief

AUSTIN, Texas -- Whole Foods Market here has named Lee Valkenaar president of the Southwest region. He was the region's vice president. Valkenaar succeeds Rich Cundiff, who was named president of the southern California region. Valkenaar reports to John Mackey, chief financial officer.

Michael Besancon was named vice president of the southern California region. Besancon was most recently the region's director of purchasing. He succeeds Victor Sohagi, who left the company. Besancon reports to Cundiff.