Weis Markets chairman to step down

SUNBURY, Pa. — Weis Markets is losing one of its longest serving executives after the company announced that the chairman of the board is stepping down.

 

Robert Weis will not stand for re-election to its board of directors at the company's annual meeting of shareholders on April 23, the company said.

 

"We are deeply indebted to Robert for his 69 years of leadership and tireless dedication to our company," said Harold Graber, Jr., a director and secretary of the company.

 

Weis is currently the chairman of the board of the company, and he indicated that his decision not to stand for re-election was motivated by his desire to focus on his health. Weis has served as an employee, director or officer since 1946 and was appointed chairman of the board in April 2002. The board of directors has not designated a substitute nominee for Weis and has reduced the size of the company's board from six to five.

 

Jonathan Weis, currently the vice chairman of the board, and the company's president and CEO, has been elected by the board as its new chairman effective at the annual meeting, provided that he is elected as a director by the shareholders. Jonathan Weis is the son of Robert Weis. "My father's contributions to the growth and development of Weis Markets are far too many to detail," said CEO Jonathan Weis, adding that "throughout the years, I have relied on him for valuable advice, and he has always been available to discuss any detail or issue."

 

The company also announced that Robert Weis will be appointed, effective following the upcoming annual meeting, to the honorary position of "Chairman Emeritus" in recognition of his many years of service to the company.

 

Weis operates 163 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.