Albertsons LLC Taps Meinhardt for Social Media

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons LLC here said it has named Karl Meinhardt to head a new social media and digital marketing effort in the newly created post of vice president, social and digital marketing.

Meinhardt was instrumental in the launch of Albertsons.com in 1998, where he was responsible for developing an e-commerce grocery solution for Albertsons Inc. Since then, Meinhardt has founded several start-up companies in the foodservice and social gaming markets.

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"Karl has a comprehensive understanding of information as a powerful source of service," said Mike Massimino, vice president, center store. "His expertise of turning knowledge into a strategic advantage has assisted many organizations in their long-term product and service goals, and his efforts with our social media endeavors have already established a firm foundation on which the rest of the our social and digital marketing strategies will be built."

Members of Meinhardt's team include Jana Jeffery, digital community manager; and Elizabeth Perryman, digital content manager. They are joining Dan Mackay, the company's director of web services.

Meinhardt said an acute understanding of customers and how to relate to and connect with customers will be successful in engaging them in the social conversation. "It's an exciting segment of grocery retail marketing because the space is constantly evolving. Awareness, agility and brand personality are the key factors of success in the ever-changing digital/social frontier."