EXECUTIVE CHANGES: JUDY SPIRES NAMED PRESIDENT OF ACME MARKETS...STATER PROMOTES PHIL SMITH TO EVP AND CFO

Judy Spires Named President of Acme Markets

the parent company of Acme Markets here, said Judy Spires has been named the new president of Albertsons' eastern division. Spires has been with the company for 35 years, most recently serving as president of Albertsons' Dallas/Fort Worth division. She will be responsible for Acme Markets in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland that are slated to be sold to Supervalu, Minneapolis, as well as all Albertsons operations in Florida slated to be sold to a separate group of investors. Spires succeeds Carl Jablonski, who is now president of Albertsons' Shaw's division in New England. Bob Colgrove will succeed her in her old responsibilities. Spires will report to Paul Gannon, executive vice president, retail.

Stater Promotes Phil Smith to EVP and CFO

COLTON, Calif. - Stater Bros. Markets here said it has promoted Phil Smith to the newly created position of executive vice president of finance, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer. He is responsible for the financial accountability of the company. Smith, a 19-year veteran of Stater Bros., was promoted to his most recent position of senior vice president, chief financial officer, and chief accounting officer in November 2000. He reports to Jack H. Brown, chairman of the board and chief executive officer.

Friedman's Bitter Named NGA Chairwoman

ARLINGTON, Va. - The National Grocers Association here said Carole Bitter has been named chairwoman of the board for 2006-2007. Bitter is president and chief executive officer of Friedman's Supermarkets, Butler, Pa. Other executive committee officers include Gary Phillips of Associated Wholesale Grocers, Kansas City, Kan., immediate past chairman; Michael L. Jackson, Supervalu, Minneapolis, vice chairman; and Robert S. Ukrop, Ukrop's Super Markets, Richmond, Va.

Supervalu Elects Former Shaw's CEO to Board

MINNEAPOLIS - Phillip L. Francis as been elected to the board of directors of Supervalu here. Francis has served as president and chief executive officer of pet goods retailer PetSmart, Phoenix, since 1988. Previously, Francis served as CEO of Shaw's Supermarkets, West Bridgewater, Mass., and vice president of wholesale for Roundy's, Milwaukee. Supervalu is set to acquire Shaw's as part of the recently announced deal with Albertsons.