EXECUTIVE CHANGES: UNITED APPOINTS NUTRITION LEADER...FOOD LION NAMES VP OF FRESH MERCHANDISING

UNITED APPOINTS NUTRITION LEADER

ruit & Vegetable Association has appointed the director of the federal government's 5 A Day program to serve as vice president, nutrition and health, a new position at the trade group. Lorelei DiSogra, director of the 5 A Day program for the last four years, and a former Dole Food Co. executive, will lead United's efforts to shape nutrition and health policy working with Congress, the White House, international governments and health agencies, officials said. She also will work directly with members of United and associations to help them with nutrition and health marketing efforts. Under DiSogra's leadership, the United Research and Education Foundation also will roll out a new nutrition and health policy initiative -- Project Fresh Start. It will focus on reshaping government policy and driving environmental change to enable children to increase their produce consumption, as outlined in the new dietary guidelines. DiSogra will report to Tom Stenzel, United's president and chief executive officer.

FOOD LION NAMES VP OF FRESH MERCHANDISING

SALISBURY, N.C. -- A Kroger veteran has joined Food Lion as senior vice president of fresh merchandising and distribution. In the position, Derrick Penick oversees and directs Food Lion's fresh produce, meat, deli and bakery operations, including quality control and selection, and vendor relations. He is also responsible for the company's extensive procurement, distribution and transportation network. Penick succeeds Cathy Green, who was appointed senior vice president for retail operations. Penick previously served as vice president of merchandising at Kroger's King Soopers chain in Denver. He held a number of leadership positions with Kroger, including group vice president of perishables, vice president of merchandising, meat director and store manager. Penick reports to Rick Anicetti, Food Lion's president and chief executive officer.