EXECUTIVE CHANGES 2007-02-19

HOOLEY TO RETIRE; JACKSON TO RUN SUPERVALU EAST

MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu here said last week that John Hooley, president of its Retail East division, would retire at the end of April and that his duties would be assumed by Mike Jackson, who would retain his roles as president and chief operating officer, Supervalu. Hooley is a 33-year veteran of Supervalu and will work with Jackson over the next few months to ensure a smooth transition, the company said. The Retail East operations include the Shaw's, Acme, Shopper and Farm Fresh banners. The bigg's and Scott's banners, previously a part of Retail East, will become a part of Retail Midwest under Kevin Tripp, Supervalu added. Janel Haugarth, executive vice president and chief operating officer of supply chain services, who previously reported to Jackson, will now report directly to Jeff Noddle, chief executive officer.

METZGER OUT AS A&P ELIMINATES EVP POSITION

MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P here said last week in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission that it has eliminated the executive vice president position that had been held by John Metzger. The move was made to reduce costs, according to John Heinbockel, analyst, Goldman Sachs, New York. A&P could not be reached for comment. Heinbockel said Brenda Galgano, chief financial officer, will assume Metzger's former responsibilities for IT, and Rebecca Philbert, who was recently named chief merchandising officer, will assume Metzger's former responsibilities for the supply chain. Real estate, another area that had been under Metzger's purview, will now report directly to Eric Claus, chief executive officer.

BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS' JOHNSON BECOMES CEO

LUFKIN, Texas — Brookshire Brothers here, an independently owned chain with more than 70 stores throughout Texas and Louisiana, has appointed Jerry Johnson as its new president and chief executive officer. Johnson had served as acting chairman since the departure of former CEO Tim Hale three years ago, during which time the company operated under an executive committee. Other new appointments include Jack Gabriel, formerly executive vice president of retail operations, who has been named chief operating officer, and Milton Hixson, who is the new chairman. Donny Johnson continues as the company's chief financial officer.

WAL-MART NAMES CAST TO LEAD U.S. STRATEGY

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Wal-Mart Stores here said last week it has named Carter Cast head of the company's U.S. business strategy — a newly created post — and promoted Raul Vasquez to succeed him as president and chief executive officer of Walmart.com. Both report to Eduardo Castro-Wright, president and CEO of Wal-Mart's U.S. division. Cast joined Wal-Mart's online division in 2000 and helped lead it to profitability, the company said. He will oversee business strategy and strategic initiatives for Wal-Mart's U.S. stores. Vasquez joined the online division in 2002 and most recently had been its chief marketing officer.

FOUR EXECUTIVES PROMOTED AT GIANT OF CARLISLE

CARLISLE, Pa. — Giant Food Stores has promoted four senior managers here. Jeff Martin, formerly senior vice president of perishables, then non-perishables, is now executive vice president of sales and merchandising. Erik Keptner has been promoted from vice president of consumer insight and sales development to senior vice president of advertising and marketing. Martin and Keptner report to Carl Schlicker, the newly named chief executive officer at the Ahold-owned chain. Also, Ron Domenick, formerly vice president of merchandising support, is the new senior vice president of non-perishables. Bill deBrauwere has been promoted to vice president of deli and bakery; he had been director of bakery merchandising.