Sprouts Names Two New VPs

PHOENIX — Sprouts Farmers Market here has appointed Rick Kaiser as senior vice president of operations and Joe Dobrow as vice president of marketing. Kaiser, who has spent 32 years in retail, most recently was senior vice president of operations at Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley's Supermarkets. In a 25-year career, Dobrow has led marketing efforts at Whole Foods Market and Balducci's. Sprouts said it plans to open 11 new stores this year.

ASHER JOINS NRF IN LOSS PREVENTION

WASHINGTON — Rhett Asher, formerly with the Retail Industry Leaders Association, has joined the National Retail Federation here as vice president of loss prevention, responsible for directing NRF's annual Loss Prevention Conference, LP Advisory Council and NRF Investigator's Network. Asher succeeds Joseph LaRocca, who will enter into a new role as senior asset protection advisor to NRF. In this position, LaRocca will continue to serve as an intermediary between NRF members and various private and government entities, as well as acting as an NRF spokesman on loss prevention issues. Asher began his career in retail management with Best Products, Cort Furniture Rental, Modell's and Ross Stores. In 2003, he joined the Retail Industry Leaders Association, where he managed the association's loss prevention conference and steering committee. Asher became vice president of the Loss Prevention Foundation in 2006, managing the development of content for the group's certification programs, and has served as executive director of the National Food Service Security Council.