EXECUTIVE CHANGES 2000-07-24

Wal-Mart, Bentonville, Ark., said Donald G. Soderquist, senior vice chairman, has announced his retirement, effective August 25. Soderquist will remain on the Wal-Mart board of directors, where he has served as vice chairman. Previously, he was chief operating officer, Wal-Mart Stores.

er, Wal-Mart Stores division, will assume responsibility for the loss prevention and marketing divisions. And Thomas W. Schoewe, executive vice president and chief financial officer, will take on Wal-Mart's information systems division, McLane and new business development.

Grand Union, Wayne, N.J., said it has named William Roth vice president, grocery and private label. Previously, Roth was a corporate director of Purity Wholesale Grocers. Roth will report to Robert Smith, corporate vice president, merchandising.

A&P, Montvale, N.J., has announced the departure of Michael J. Larkin, senior vice president and chief operating officer. The company said it has initiated a search for a new chief operating officer. In the interim, the four regional operating divisions will report to Christian Haub, president and chief executive officer.

Kings, Parsippany, N.J., said it has named Dan Portnoy, previously senior vice president, executive vice president. Other promotions announced by the company include: Fred Brohm, previously vice president, operations, has been named senior vice president, retail stores and operations; Cherie Bliwise, previously vice president, human resources and labor relations, has been named senior vice president, human resources and labor relations; Patrick Dentato, previously director of accounting, has been named vice president, finance and accounting; Dave Parrottino, previously director, perishables, was promoted to vice president, perishables, and Donna Banks, previously grocery sales manager, has been named director of grocery.