MAYFAIR REALIGNS AT THE TOP, DENIES TALKS WITH PATHMARK

MARK TOSH

ELIZABETH, N.J. -- Mayfair Super Markets here has named a new president and realigned its top management, but a spokeswoman for the chain denied any connection between the changes and market reports that Pathmark Stores was negotiating to acquire Mayfair.

Michele Maselli, a Mayfair spokeswoman, said last week that reports of Pathmark, which is based in Woodbridge, N.J., making a deal to acquire Mayfair were completely false.

"There is no deal between Mayfair and Pathmark," she said. "To my knowledge, the company is staying the way it is -- private and independent."

An executive of Pathmark said the company had no comment on the acquisition reports that have circulated for several months.

Among its recent management changes, Mayfair has named Frank Curci president and chief financial officer.

Curci assumes the presidency from Stanley P. Kaufelt, who remains chairman and chief executive officer of the 30-store chain. The post of chief financial officer had been vacant, and Curci previously held responsibilities associated with that title.

Curci, 42, had been senior vice president of finance and administration since 1989. He joined the retailer in 1987 as vice president of finance.

In a prepared statement, Kaufelt said of the new president, "I am confident that his leadership and retail food-business experience will guide the company to greater success."

Additionally, Paul Criscuolo has been named senior vice president of merchandising, and Peter McCann senior vice president of operations. Both are new positions.

Criscuolo had been vice president of merchandising, and McCann was vice president of operations. They both report to Curci.

Criscuolo and McCann also will join Curci and Kaufelt on Mayfair's four-member executive committee. The committee previously had seven members, but has been reduced and realigned, according to Maselli.

Mayfair also said Jackie Keller, executive vice president, and Bruce Brazer, a vice president of finance, have left the company. Keller is Kaufelt's daughter.