Albertsons Announces Key Changes in Structure & Senior Leadership Resp

BOISE, Idaho, May 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Albertson's, Inc. announced major changes today in its organizational structure that are designed to improve execution, broaden spans of leadership for key senior executives and drive further improvements in efficiency. As a result, the company's supply chain, food operations and Six Sigma Quality functions are being reorganized.

SUPPLY CHAIN

Bob Dunst, 44, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer will now add responsibility for the company's supply chain organization. This added responsibility includes procurement, inventory management, distribution, warehousing, and logistics. The company believes that technology and the supply chain will continue to become increasingly interdependent through advances such as eProcurement, RFID, satellite routing systems, WiFi shopping devices and web grocery expansion, among others. This evolution makes the marriage of these two functions more strategically important than ever before. Dunst, who joined Albertsons in 2001, built a strong career with companies like IBM, Food4Less, American Stores and Safeway. He holds a degree in Mathematics from Villanova University. Dunst now becomes Executive Vice President-Technology and Supply Chain.

Clarence Gabriel, formerly Executive Vice President-Supply Chain and Asset Management, is leaving the company to pursue other interests.

FOOD OPERATIONS

Paul Gannon, 52, currently Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, will now add responsibility for all the company's food operations. This added responsibility includes food division operations, asset protection, and customer service. As a result, the company's food banners (Acme, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaw's, and Star Market) as well as all six related food divisions will report directly to Gannon. Gannon, who joined Albertsons in 2004, was previously the President and CEO of Shaw's Supermarkets, a $4.5 billion New England grocery company with 200-plus stores and 30,000-plus associates. During his 14 years at Shaw's, he led information technology, finance, marketing, real estate, and also served as Chief Operating Officer before being named CEO. His career experiences with companies like Andersen Consulting, Hills Department Stores and Shaw's have prepared him well for this assignment. Gannon holds an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a master's degree from the University of Southern California. Gannon now becomes Executive Vice President-Marketing and Food Operations.

Bob Butler, formerly Executive Vice President-Food Operations, has decided to retire after 31 years of service.

SIX SIGMA QUALITY

Felicia Thornton, 41, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer will now add responsibility for the company's Six Sigma Quality program and the Office of Enterprise Program Management. Over a year ago, Albertsons became the first company in the food and drug industry to launch a company- wide Six Sigma Quality program. Before joining Albertsons in 2001, Ms. Thornton built a diverse and successful career with companies such as Proctor & Gamble, Paramount Pictures, Stride Rite, and the Kroger Company. She holds an undergraduate degree from Santa Clara University and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Dunst, Gannon, and Thornton will all serve as members of the company's Executive Council.

Larry Johnston, Albertsons Chairman, CEO, and President commented, "These changes will drive higher levels of organizational efficiency as we consolidate management of these critically important functions under three of our talented senior leaders. As the company's strategic plan continues to evolve, these moves will also help increase our focus on customers in local markets, improve program execution, and enhance the experience base of our senior leadership team."

Albertsons is one of the world's largest food and drug retailers. The company's divisions and subsidiaries operate more than 2,500 stores in 37 states across the U.S. and employ more than 240,000 associates. Its banners include Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Star Market, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, and Osco Drug, as well as Super Saver and Bristol Farms, which are operated independently.