Italian grocery retailer Esselunga has appointed Vincenzo Mariconda as chairman.

Mariconda, 67, started his role on Friday (21 October) and succeeds founder and ownder of the company Bernardo Caprotti as chairman. Caprotti announced his resignation from the role earlier this month.

Lawyer and teacher Mariconda previously worked for Italian property company Risanamento.

Esselunga reported sales of more than EUR6bn (US$8bn) in 2010.