Jitney Adds Chief Operating Officer
Stores of America here said last week it has named Ronald E. Johnson chief operating officer, a new position.
Johnson, 48, who is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Farm Fresh, Norfolk, Va., said he will leave that company, probably in early January, when the sale of Farm Fresh to its distributor, Richfood Holdings, Richmond, Va., is completed. (See story on Page 4.)
In joining Jitney, Johnson will be reunited with Michael E. Julian, Jitney's chairman and chief executive officer, who held those positions at Farm Fresh before Johnson succeeded him there.
Jitney is scheduled to complete its acquisition of Delchamps, Mobile, Ala., early this week following approval of the transaction last week by holders of the company's 12% senior notes due 2006 and completion of related financing.
Johnson began his career as a store manager for Harris-Teeter, Charlotte, N.C., then moved to Food Lion, Salisbury, N.C., as a store manager and area supervisor. In 1980 he became regional director of store operations for Bi-Lo, Mauldin, S.C., and in 1985 he was named director of store operations for Food Giant, Atlanta.
When Food Giant was sold in 1986, Johnson joined Richfood as vice president of retail sales. He moved to Farm Fresh in 1988 as vice president and general manager of its Richmond division and subsequently was named vice president of store operations; in 1992 he was named executive vice president and chief operating officer.
He left Farm Fresh in January 1995 to become chairman, president and chief executive officer of Kash n' Karry Food Stores, Tampa, Fla. When Kash n' Karry was sold to Food Lion, Salisbury, N.C., two years later, Johnson returned to Farm Fresh, succeeding Julian as chairman and CEO, to help the company assess its strategic alternatives.
Previously, Jitney-Jungle named Donald B. Bennett to its board of directors. Bennett is chairman of Richfood Holdings. He has worked for some of the nation's largest supermarket chains, and founded his own chain. He gained wholesale experience with national companies, including Wetterau, which was once the nation's third-largest wholesaler.
"Donald Bennett has long been recognized for his extensive knowledge of all aspects of the grocery industry and for his leadership role in building Richfood into one of the country's strongest wholesale companies," said W.H. Holman, chairman of Jitney's board. "We anticipate utilizing his extensive wholesaling experience in helping us strengthen and improve our wholesale division."
Giant Food Names Berey Senior VP
LANDOVER, Md. -- Giant Food here has appointed former Sutton Place Gourmet chief executive officer Mark H. Berey senior vice president, treasurer and chief financial officer. Berey, who also held the positions of president and chairman at the regional specialty food retailer based in Bethesda, Md., succeeds David B. Sykes, who retired from Giant in 1996 after 41 years with the company.
Berey reports to Pete Manos, president, chief executive officer and chairman. Berey oversees the company's financial management staff of approximately 220, with responsibility for the controller and treasurer's offices, accounting, risk management and internal audit.
He also serves on various internal committees, including executive, management, investment, strategic planning and compensation.
