KROGER NAMES FLORA PRESIDENT OF FRY'S DIVISION
CINCINNATI — Jon Flora, a 36-year veteran of Kroger here, has been named president of the retailer's Fry's division in Phoenix, effective this week. Flora will succeed outgoing Fry's President Mike Donnelly, who was recently named to lead Kroger's Ralphs division in Southern California. Flora, 52, has served in a variety of leadership positions with Kroger, most recently as a senior vice president. He is a former president of Kroger's Great Lakes division, based in Columbus, Ohio. He began his career with Dillon's Stores in Kansas, now a division of Kroger.
RAYFORD TAKING CEO REINS AT BROOKSHIRE GROCERY
TYLER, Texas — Brookshire Grocery Co. has named Rick Rayford chief executive officer, succeeding current CEO Marvin Massey, who recently announced his decision to retire in 2008. The company said Rayford will work with Massey over the next several months to ensure a seamless transition. Rayford will oversee all areas of the company, including retail, distribution, administration and manufacturing. He joined the company as a warehouseman 35 years ago and became director of distribution in 1988. Since that time, he has served as vice president-distribution, senior vice president-distribution, executive vice president-distribution/manufacturing and executive vice president-corporate development. Rayford is a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler.
H-E-B VETERAN EASLEY NAMED NEW COO AT RITE AID
CAMP HILL, Pa. — Rite Aid here has named Robert J. Easley, a 16-year veteran of H.E. Butt Grocery Co., as its chief operating officer. Easley most recently served as senior vice president, chief marketing officer and head of pharmacy for H-E-B, which is based in San Antonio. “Rob comes to Rite Aid with a very successful track record at H-E-B, including improving store execution, strengthening pharmacy and helping create a customer-driven culture,” James P. Mastrian, the current Rite Aid COO, said in a statement. Mastrian is moving to a senior advisor role. Easley, who begins this week, will have responsibility for all store operations, category management, marketing, merchandising, supply chain and pharmacy services, and will report directly to Mary Sammons, Rite Aid's chief executive officer.
FORMER VONS CEO GOODSPEED JOINS UNIFIED BOARD
LOS ANGELES — Unified Grocers has appointed Richard E. Goodspeed, a retired industry executive, to serve on its board of directors to fill a vacancy created when the board was expanded by one seat two months ago. Goodspeed, now an industry consultant, served four years as president and chief executive officer of Vons Cos. until his retirement in 1998 and, earlier, eight years as president and CEO of Lucky Stores, where he spent 37 years. He also spent four years at A&P, including a year as president of its Family Mart Stores.
WINN-DIXIE NAMES THREE NEW EXECUTIVES
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores said it has named three executives in sourcing, investor relations and pharmacy. Graham Leary was named vice president of strategic sourcing, reporting to Bennett Nussbaum, chief financial officer. Leary's previous posts include stints at Black & Decker and Colgate-Palmolive Co. Eric Harris was named director of investor relations, reporting to Sheila C. Reinken, the company's treasurer and vice president for finance. His experience includes financial posts at Alcan Corp., Novelis and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Finally, Jim Schmid was named vice president of pharmacy, responsible for the operations of the company's in-store pharmacies. He spent the past 20 years working for Walgreens, where he oversaw in-store clinics, Medicare Parts A, B, C and D, and other aspects of retail operations. Schmid reports to Dan Portnoy, senior vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer.
