NODDLE TO BECOME SUPERVALU CEO

MINNEAPOLIS -- Supervalu here said last week Jeff Noddle, currently president and chief operating officer, has been named chief executive officer, effective June 27, by the the company's board.

tep in a planned management transition process that was initiated by the board two years ago, when I first informed the directors of my intention to retire," said Wright, who will remain company chairman.

"I am very pleased with Jeff's selection by the board. He is ready to take the reins of the company. Jeff is a talented and highly experienced executive whose strengths will effect a seamless management transition," Wright added.

"After working closely with the board of directors during this planned transition period, I am eager to take the baton from Mike and proceed along the company's historic path of strong and profitable growth," Noddle said.

Noddle has worked in both the retail and distribution sides of the business since he joined the Supervalu as director of retail operations at its J. M. Jones division, Champaign, Ill.

From 1982 to 1985, he was president of the Fargo, N.D., and Miami divisions, was promoted to corporate vice president, merchandising, in 1985, and corporate senior vice president, marketing, in 1988.

He was named executive vice president, marketing, in 1992, with responsibility for the company's retail operations, pharmacy, wholesale merchandising, procurement and international operations. In 1995, he was elected executive vice president, chief operating officer, of the company's distribution operations.