EXECUTIVE CHANGES 1998-09-21

President of IGA Sets Resignation

d Larry Willis will resign as president and chief operating officer of its U.S. operation, effective Nov. 1.

IGA, a national network serving independent operators, said it is not actively seeking a successor at this time. The president's responsibilities will be shared by Thomas Haggai, chairman and chief executive officer, and the senior management team.

Willis is also chief financial officer of IGA Inc., which includes international operations. He said he is looking for a "fresh" and "bigger" challenge after almost four years at IGA. Willis said he is considering several job offers, but would not say whether he will stay involved in the supermarket industry.

Haggai credited Willis with helping to implement a strategic plan that included third-party quality assessments of stores. "Another part of the strategic plan was to make it easier for our more than 3,400 stores to measure their performance, and for manufacturers to communicate with our alliance and our member supermarkets," Haggai said.

Other programs initiated under Willis' tenure included IGA's Hometown Proud advertising campaign, a national consumer research survey and a new customer loyalty program.

All programs were implemented with the primary purpose of branding IGA, allowing it to have an identity that differentiated it from other retailers, Willis said.

"IGA and its retailers are stronger and better prepared for the future as a result of Larry Willis' hard work, knowledge and dedication," Haggai said.

Willis joined IGA in January 1995 as executive vice president and chief operating officer, directing all domestic operations and supporting the efforts of the distribution centers serving IGA's independents nationwide. He became president in March of 1996 and later added the CFO title, the company said.

Earlier in his career, Willis had a 14-year tenure at Fleming Cos. with senior-level positions at a number of divisions.

Hansen Resigns Wal-Mart Posts

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Superstores here said Mark Hansen has resigned as president and chief executive officer of Sam's Club and an executive vice president of Wal-Mart. The company has not yet named a successor.

According to David Glass, president and CEO of Wal-Mart, "Mark Hansen has made a personal decision, and we wish him nothing but the best. Mark leaves behind one of the best management teams in Sam's Club history and a program that continues to gain momentum. He will be missed, but our tradition and philosophy of cross training and developing our people will allow us to manage this transition effectively."

Hanson joined Wal-Mart in July 1997 after having been president and CEO of PetsMart.

According to Wal-Mart, Sam's Club reduced expenses and lowered prices on 140 items, or 12% of its assortment, during Hansen's tenure.

The company said the clubs added new member benefits, including Internet access and mail-order pharmacies, and improved the value of its membership card. Wal-Mart said Hansen worked on developing a new club concept for urban markets, called Millennium Club, which is expected to be introduced early next year.

A Sam's spokesperson said the new clubs would attempt to redefine and revitalize the club concept by expanding assortments in such departments as home decorations and home office supplies and gearing each facility to local needs.