BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. has announced a broad realignment of its merchandising leadership, a move executives say will strengthen the grocer’s ability to “buy better to sell better.”
At the center of the changes is the company’s promotion of Michelle Larson to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Previously executive VP of Operations West, Larson now leads Own Brands, Category Excellence, Pricing & Promotion, Space Planning, and Fuel and Commission Income.
“It’s a new day at Albertsons Cos., and we are sharpening our customer value proposition to drive long-term growth faster than the market,” Larson said. “I look forward to working with this talented team of leaders to support our associates and serve our customers, inspiring them to return again and again.”
Additionally, Jack Pestello has been named president of Own Brands, managing the company’s private label portfolio, which produces over $16 billion each year.
Mark Laryea, formerly president of the Jewel-Osco Division, will take on the role of president of merchandising, reporting to Larson. He will direct overall merchandising strategy.
Other key leadership roles include:
• Jewel Hunt, group VP, Corporate Merchandising, continues to lead bakery, deli and Starbucks strategies.
• Anthony Suggs, group VP, Corporate Merchandising, continues to lead center-store merchandising strategy.
• Teresa Whitney, group VP, Corporate Merchandising, continues to lead meat, seafood, produce and floral.
• Chris Cowgill transitions to group VP, Business Intelligence and Analytics, focusing on analytics, reporting and optimization.
• Christopher Lanoue becomes group VP, Merchandising Operations, overseeing systems, item governance, pricing, promotion and space planning.
• June Zheng, VP, Merchandising Strategy and Business Development, will now report directly to Larson, guiding strategy support and business ventures.
“I’m thrilled to recognize our outstanding leadership team at Albertsons Cos., and especially to spotlight Michelle Larson as she steps into her new role,” Albertsons chief executive officer Susan Morris wrote on LinkedIn. “Michelle’s vision for merchandising and her deep knowledge of our business position her perfectly to drive our transformation and lead her talented team to success.
“As we advance our strategy to earn Customers for Life, we are transforming how we merchandise by aligning our teams and putting the customer and associates at the center of every decision. I’m proud of our leaders stepping into new roles and the investments we’re making to strengthen the pillars that differentiate our value proposition in many ways: pricing, services, fresh assortment, Own Brands and micro-market merchandising tailored to the communities we serve.”
