US retailer Supervalu has unveiled plans to become “more customer-focused” by centralising its operations following the retirement of COO Mile Jackson, and EVP and president of the midwest region Kevin Tripp.

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Supervalu said that the company will realign its leadership structure, combining its three retail regions into one operating unit. This will be headed-up by Pete Van Helden as EVP, retail operations.


Van Helden currently serves as executive vice president, retail west.


CEO Craig Herkert, who joined the company in May, will assume the additional role of president, as well as taking responsibility for the group’s Save-A-Lot banner.


The Bristol Farms banner will continue to report to Pamela Knous, executive vice president and chief financial officer.

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The company will also create a new health and wellness division to be led by Duncan Mac Naughton, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.


The retailer’s new leadership structure will further streamline the critical partnership between its retail operations, pharmacy operations and merchandising and marketing groups in order to “effectively anticipate and respond” to the changing customer needs, the company said.


“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,” Herkert commented.

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