BOISE, ID – Albertsons and Safeway have announced the new leadership team and Division Presidents who will be guiding the combined companies in the wake of their proposed merger. The new executives are expected to assume their roles as soon as the merger receives regulatory approval and the transaction formally closes.

"We're drawing on the strong talent within both companies to build an innovative, customer-focused and growth-driven company," said Safeway President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert Edwards, who will also be assuming the role of President and CEO for the combined company. "We are confident in this team's ability to build a great company that's positioned to win over the long term by earning the loyalty of grocery shoppers in every market we serve and delivering superior operational and financial results."

The combined company will be made up of three regions and 14 retail divisions, supported by corporate offices in Boise, ID, Pleasanton, CA, and Phoenix, AZ. This organizational model will keep the focus and financial responsibility at the division level, while still taking full advantage of the expertise, vision and core capabilities of the corporate team. 

Safeway/Albertsons' new leadership team will compose of:

• Bob Gordon, Executive Vice President & General Counsel
• Shane Sampson, Executive Vice President, Marketing & Merchandising
• Andy Scoggin, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Labor Relations, Public Affairs & Government Affairs
• Jerry Tidwell, Executive Vice President, Supply Chain & Manufacturing
• Lee Wilson, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer
• Bob Dimond, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, reporting to Mr. Wilson
• Justin Ewing, Executive Vice President, Corporate Development & Real Estate, reporting to Mr. Wilson
• Barry Libenson, Interim Executive Vice President & Chief Information Officer, reporting to Mr. Wilson.  Mr. Libenson is expected to be with the new company through March 2015, at which time a successor will be named.
• Wayne Denningham, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, South Region 
• Justin Dye, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, East Region
• Kelly Griffith, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, North Region

The new Division Presidents of Safeway/Albertsons' will include:

• Dennis Bassler, Portland Division, North Region
• Paul McTavish, Denver Division, North Region
• Susan Morris, Intermountain Division, North Region
• Tom Schwilke, Northern California Division, North Region
• Dan Valenzuela, Seattle Division, North Region
• Shane Dorcheus, Southwest Division, South Region
• Scott Hayes, Southern Division, South Region
• Sidney Hopper, Houston Division, South Region
• Lori Raya, Southern California Division, South Region
• Robert Taylor, United Division, South Region
• Steve Burnham, Eastern Division, East Region
• Jim Perkins, Acme Division, East Region
• Jim Rice, Shaw's Division, East Region
• Mike Withers, Jewel-Osco Division, East Region

"We know the best way to grow our business is to have the highest quality fresh departments, lower prices, clean, well-stocked stores and the best customer service in the market," said Bob Miller, Albertsons current CEO, and the announced Executive Chairman of Safeway/Albertsons.  "Our teams will focus on delivering what customers want locally, and we will give our store teams more flexibility to make decisions that are right for their neighborhoods.  The division teams will have the responsibility to have the right assortment for their markets."

According to a press release, no banner changes are planned for the combined company.

AndNowUKnow would like to congratulate all of these executives for their new positions!

Safeway

Albertsons