EXECUTIVE CHANGES 2002-04-15

McDougall Named D&W Food VP, Operations

ters, here, promoted Rob McDougall to senior vice president of operations. McDougall will oversee aspects of retail operations, including sales, personnel, product merchandising, quality standards and the procurement of equipment and supplies for the chain.

Prior to his promotion, McDougall served as regional vice president of retail operations. While in that position, he was directly accountable for many of the chain's stores and served as produce director.

D&W Food Centers operates 25 stores, a transportation department, a central kitchen, and a central floral-distribution facility.

Lazaran Named Executive VP, COO of Winn-Dixie

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Winn-Dixie Stores here said Frank Lazaran will join the company on April 22 as executive vice president and chief operating officer, a new title.

Lazaran was formerly president of Randalls Food Markets, Houston, a division of Safeway, Pleasanton, Calif.

In his new position, Lazaran will be responsible for Winn-Dixie's retail operations, sales and procurement, manufacturing and distribution. He will report to Al Rowland, president and chief executive officer.

Associated Grocers Appoints New CFO

SEATTLE -- Associated Grocers has named John L. Carosino chief financial officer and member of the executive team. He replaces Jeffrey R. Kessler, interim CFO.

Carosino's responsibilities include overseeing the business plan laid out by the company's financial and management restructuring.

Previously, he was senior vice president and CFO of the R.D. Merrill Co./Merrill Gardens. Before that, he was a senior manager of the Seattle office of Ernst & Young.

Safeway Eliminates Public Affairs Post

PLEASANTON, Calif. -- Safeway here said Debra Lambert, director of corporate and public affairs, has left the company after her job was eliminated. Lambert had been with Safeway for 18 years. Her responsibilities have been shifted to Brian Dowling, vice president, public affairs.

Podany Resigns From ShopKo Stores Board

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- ShopKo Stores here announced that it had accepted the resignation of William J. Podany as president, chief executive officer and director. Podany is leaving the company for personal reasons.

Jeffrey C. Girard, a board member and director, as well as a former executive at Supervalu, will assume the position of interim CEO. Girard has also been appointed to the permanent position of vice chairman, finance and administration. Jack W. Eugster, who will remain in his current position as chairman of the board, said a search for a new CEO will begin as soon as possible.