Albertsons, Safeway Name Senior Leadership Team

Albertsons and Safeway announced the new senior leadership team and division leaders  for the combined company that will take effect upon the closing of the proposed merger transaction, which is pending customary regulatory approvals. “We’re drawing on the strong talent within both companies to build an innovative, customer-focused and growth-driven company,” said Safeway President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Edwards, who will serve as the combined company’s president and CEO.  “We are confident in this team’s ability to build a great company that’s positioned to win over the long term by earning the loyalty of grocery shoppers in every market we serve and delivering superior operational and financial results.” After regulatory approval and closing of the transaction, the new company will have the following leadership team:

The new company will be comprised of three regions and 14 retail divisions. The company will keep the focus and financial responsibility at the division level, but take full advantage of the expertise, vision and core capabilities of the corporate team.  The 14 divisions will be supported by corporate offices in Boise, ID, Pleasanton, CA, and Phoenix, AZ. The division presidents for the new company, who will report to the chief operating officer for their respective regions, will be:

No banner changes are planned. “We know the best way to grow our business is to have the highest quality fresh departments, lower prices, clean, well-stocked stores and the best customer service in the market,” said Bob Miller, Albertsons current CEO, who will become Executive Chairman of the combined company upon completion of the transaction.  “Our teams will focus on delivering what customers want locally, and we will give our store teams more flexibility to make decisions that are right for their neighborhoods.  The division teams will have the responsibility to have the right assortment for their markets.” Safeway shareholders approved the proposed merger agreement on July 25, under which AB Acquisition LLC, an affiliate of Albertsons, will acquire all outstanding shares of Safeway.  The transaction is under review by the Federal Trade Commission and is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year, pending FTC approval.