PLEASANTON, CA & BOISE, ID - In anticipation of its impending merger with Albertsons, Safeway has named the new members of its NorCal Merchandising and Marketing Leadership Team. Sources tell AndNowUKnow that the team will include Produce Sales Manager Robby Cruz and Bakery Sales Manager Jerry Decker, two familiar faces for produce industry insiders.

A 21 year veteran with Safeway, Cruz began his career with the retailer as a Courtesy Clerk in the Vons Division. He rose through the ranks quickly, spending time as Safeway's Produce Manager, Lifestyle Field Merchandiser, Manager of Division Operations-Floral in Vons, Corporate Floral Regional Manager, Floral Regional Director, and Floral Group Director before taking on his current role as Group Director of Produce.

Although his current position has positioned him in the middle of the bakery world, Jerry Decker is another veteran of the produce industry. During his 38 year career with Safeway, he has served as Produce Manager, Produce Buyer, Senior Buyer, Category Manager, Sales Manager, and Director of Produce Merchandising in the Denver Division. In 2002, he was promoted to Group Director of Produce, a position he would hold until Safeway's Bakery Division called on his leadership and expertise.

The other eight members of Safeway's NorCal Merchandising and Marketing Leadership Team combine for over 180 years of retail experience and include:

• Kristen Zierau, Director Marketing
• Jonathan Worrall, Sales Manager
• Elsie Wolfe, Sales Manager
• Cheryl Whinihan, Sales Manager
• Josiah Knutsen, Sales Manager
• Crystal Hedgpeth, Sales Manager
• Mariko Lee, Sales Manager
• Sean Topping, DSD Receiving Manager

Sources tell AndNowUKnow that going forward, these retail executives will be focused on building their individual teams.

AndNowUKnow would like to congratulate all those promoted on their exciting new positions!

Safeway

Albertsons