BOISE, Idaho/PRNewswire/ — Albertson’s, Inc. (NYSE: ABS – news), one of the world’s largest food and drug retailers, announced the appointment of Bonnie G. Hill to the Company’s board of directors effective January 1, 2002. After a significant and lauded professional career, Ms. Hill recently retired from her position as president and chief executive officer of the Times Mirror Foundation. In addition, she also held the role of senior vice president – communications and public affairs for the Los Angeles Times. Prior to her career at Times Mirror, Ms. Hill served as the dean of the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and also held various senior posts in both state and federal government.


“We have made significant progress in the restructuring of this great Company,” said Larry Johnston, chairman of the board and chief executive officer. “Bonnie’s in-depth knowledge of the retail industry, as well as her strong communications background and experience in corporate governance, will help us reach our full potential, while adding significant value to our board of directors.”


Paul I. Corddry, retired senior vice president of H. J. Heinz Company and chairman of the independent directors’ committee of Albertson’s board of directors, echoed Johnston’s remarks, stating: “Bonnie Hill’s extensive board experience, as well as her significant business acumen makes her an excellent addition to our board. Albertson’s has a long and illustrious history, and Bonnie will help our Company forge an even more impressive future.”


Ms. Hill presently serves on the Boards of the Home Depot Corporation, AK Steel Holding Corporation, Hershey Foods Corporation, Niagara Mohawk Holding Corporation, Choice Point, the Orange County Performing Arts Corporation, as well as the Los Angeles Urban League. She has also served as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Consumer Affairs advisory committee.


Albertson’s is one of the world’s largest food and drug retailing companies, with annual revenues projected at approximately $38 billion in 2001. Based in Boise, Idaho, the Company currently employs more than 232,000 associates and operates more than 2,500 retail stores in 36 states across the U.S. Its banners include Albertson’s, Jewel-Osco, Acme, Osco Drug, Sav-on Drugs, Max Foods, Super Saver, and Seessel’s by Albertson’s.


The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements in this news release to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking information. Assumptions and other information that could cause actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking information can be found in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the Company’s Form 10-Q.


SOURCE: Albertson’s, Inc.