Supervalu announces retirement of two executives, change in leadership structure

MINNEAPOLIS Supervalu has announced the retirement of two key executives.

Mike Jackson, president and COO, and Kevin Tripp, EVP and president of the company’s Retail Midwest region, have resigned. Their last day at Supervalu will be Aug. 14, 2009.

Following the departure of these executives, the company will realign its leadership structure to become more customer-focused. Craig Herkert, who joined Supervalu in May as CEO, will assume the additional role of president. The company’s three retail regions will be combined under Pete Van Helden, who will become EVP retail operations. Van Helden currently serves as EVP Retail West. The company’s Save-A-Lot banner will report to Herkert and Bristol Farms will continue to report to Pamela Knous, EVP and CFO.

The company also will create a new health-and-wellness division to facilitate stronger alignment between Supervalu’s pharmacy operations and its health and beauty offering, creating a total health-and-wellness experience for customers. This new division will be led by Duncan Mac Naughton, EVP merchandising and marketing.

Jackson and Tripp have both been with the company for more than 30 years (Jackson with Supervalu, and Tripp with the former Albertson’s, Inc.) and have held leadership roles in multiple functional areas. “Mike and Kevin have made significant contributions to Supervalu’s growth over the past several years, and have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for our company’s ongoing success,” said Herkert. “We wish them well as they move into a new stage of their lives.”

The company’s new leadership structure will further streamline the critical partnership between its retail operations, pharmacy operations and merchandising and marketing groups so that it can even more effectively anticipate and respond to the changing needs of its customers. “This is another critical step in the implementation of our centrally led merchandising model, designed to fully leverage Supervalu’s scale while preserving our local relevance. Pete and Duncan will work closely together to ensure a smooth and effective transition,” concluded Herkert.