EXECUTIVE CHANGES 2001-07-30

Hernandez to Direct Ethnic Marketing

re said it has named Rafael Hernandez director of ethnic retail. In this position, he will be responsible for the development and rollout of the company's Hispanic-oriented banner, Wholesale Food Outlet, currently a three-store operation. Previously, Hernandez was director of marketing, Fiesta Mart, Houston, a 40-store Hispanic-oriented chain.

Nash Finch also said it has named Stacey Mack -- formerly, director, retail operations, Aldi, Batavia, Ill., a limited assortment store chain -- director, extreme value retail. Mack will oversee development and rollout of Buy n Save, a limited assortment banner that currently has four units.

Wal-Mart Adds DUTIES to Degn's Domain

BENTONVILLE, Ark. -- Wal-Mart Stores here said Doug Degn, executive vice president, food merchandise, will keep the same title but take on the added responsibility of overseeing consumables.

Wal-Mart also said it has promoted Robert Connolly, previously executive vice president, general merchandise, to executive vice president, marketing and consumer education. In this position, he will be responsible for Wal-Mart's international marketing, advertising and consumer research programs. The company said Paul Higham, senior vice president, marketing and consumer communications, will retire Jan. 31.

In other appointments, Wal-Mart said Don S. Harris, executive vice president and chief operating officer, Wal-Mart store operations in the United States, will succeed Connolly; Jim H. Haworth, executive vice president, operations, for Sam's Clubs in the U.S., will succeed Harris; Gregg Spragg, Western regional vice president, Sam's Clubs, will succeed Haworth; Greg Johnston, Southeastern regional vice president, will succeed Spragg; Don Nickens, Tampa, Fla., and Atlanta market manager, Sam Clubs, will succeed Johnston, and Michael Heintzman, vice president and general merchandise manager, dry and fresh foods, Sam's Club, has been promoted to senior vice president with the same responsibilities.

Hitt, Whole Foods President, Retires

AUSTIN, Texas -- Whole Foods Market here said last week Chris Hitt, Whole Foods president, will retire Wednesday. John Mackey, chairman and chief executive officer, will assume the title of president, but will remain focused on long-term strategic planning. Responsibility for day-to-day operations will remain with Walter Robb and A.C. Gallo, vice presidents of operations. Hitt, who has worked at Whole Foods since 1985 and has been president since 1999, has been on a sabbatical since the beginning of the year.

Giant, Carlisle, Names New VP, Finance

CARLISLE, Pa. -- Giant Food Stores here, an Ahold operating company, said Brad Morgan has been promoted to vice president of finance. Morgan will report directly to Jim Ferraro, executive vice president, finance. Previously, Morgan was director of general accounting and financial reporting for the Ahold USA's financial services division.