SUPERVALU Announces Plans for Streamlined Independent Business Operation

SUPERVALU has announced plans for a streamlined independent business organization. As part of the new structure, SUPERVALU’s independent business will consolidate from three regions to two regions, forming new East and West teams, company officials say. The new East and West independent business regions will be located in Mechanicsville, Vir. and Hopkins, Minn. To lead the new organizations, SUPERVALU has named Kevin Kemp president of the East region and Bill Chew president of the West. With this new independent business organization, officials say SUPERVALU will streamline the organization and reduce operating costs while continuing to drive sales growth with its current and prospective customers. The changes also take into consideration the company’s ongoing commitment to delivering value, service and customer programs and offerings that meet the rapidly changing needs of its independent grocery store customers nationwide, they add. Initially, SUPERVALU anticipates reducing its employee workforce by approximately 200 positions throughout its independent business regional teams. Impacted employees will have an opportunity to apply for open positions within the new organization, officials say. The company expects to fill approximately 120 new independent business jobs resulting in a net workforce reduction in its independent business organization as a result of this consolidation of approximately 80 positions. Employees who do not have employment with SUPERVALU going forward as a result of this workforce reduction will receive an offer of assistance related to this transition they add.