US: Meijer promotes COO Symancyk to president

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Jan. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Meijer announced today the appointment of J.K. Symancyk as president of the company, one year after he assumed the role of chief operating officer for the Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer.


"I am pleased to introduce J.K. as our next company president," said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and chief executive officer of the Midwest retailer. "J.K. has been a key member of our leadership team, including most recently as our chief operating officer, and he has played an important role in the growth and success of Meijer since joining us in 2006."

In addition, Meijer has announced the appointment of Mark Murray to the new position of Co-CEO, where he will serve with current CEO Hank Meijer. In this position, Mark will serve as a partner in the development of future business strategy with Hank Meijer, Doug Meijer and J.K. Symancyk. Murray will also serve as vice chairman of the Meijer board of directors.

As COO, Symancyk had oversight of retail operations, supply chain, manufacturing, merchandising and marketing. As president, he will oversee all day-to-day business of the company and will report to Co-CEOs Hank Meijer and Mark Murray. Symancyk will officially begin his new position on Feb. 3.

Symancyk joined Meijer in 2006 as vice-president of perishables. He became executive vice president of merchandising and marketing in 2007 and accepted the role of chief operating officer in 2012.

"Having worked with J.K. in his different roles here at Meijer, we are very confident he is the right leader to help continue our path of growth and expansion," Meijer said. "We are also delighted that Mark Murray will remain a valuable partner in the continued growth of Meijer. Mark and his team have done a tremendous job and have positioned Meijer well for the future."

About Meijer: Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. As a pioneer of the "one-stop shopping" concept, Meijer stores have evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments, as well as pharmacies, comprehensive electronics departments, garden centers and apparel offerings. Additional information on Meijer and the ability to shop for more can be found at www.meijer.com. Follow Meijer on Twitter @twitter.com/Meijer or become a fan at www.facebook.com/meijer.

SOURCE Meijer

Original source: http://www.meijer.com/content/corporate.jsp?pageName=press_releases