Albertsons Cos. names Jim Donald president and COO

Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos. appointed Jim Donald as its president and chief operating officer, effective immediately. Donald formerly served as the president and CEO of Starbucks and most recently was CEO of Extended Stay America. He replaces Wayne Denningham, who retired earlier this year.

Donald has significant grocery industry experience, having previously held senior leadership roles at both Albertsons and Safeway. He also served as a member of the Rite Aid’s board of directors from 2008 to 2013, experience that will be valuable in the planned merger of Rite Aid with Albertsons Cos.

In his new role, Donald will have responsibility for the operations of the Albertson Cos.’ 2,300-plus store portfolio and will help accelerate the company’s omnichannel platform, the company said.

“Jim Donald has built an exceptional career in retail. His knowledge of our company and industry is unmatched, and I know his contributions will be invaluable as we enter the next chapter of Albertsons Cos.,” said Bob Miller, the chairman and CEO of Albertsons Cos., in a press release. “We look forward to tapping his expertise in leading large consumer brands as we work every day to meet our customers’ needs, both in-store and online.”

Donald stressed the strength of Albertsons’ private brand portfolio as well as the company’s emphasis on customer service.

“Having first worked at Albertsons 42 years ago, I have watched as an insider and from afar how their keen focus on customer service maintained a solid foundation for their team through the years,” he said in a statement. “Their acquisitive nature combined with their recent innovation efforts and strong own brands portfolio have helped them to build an even stronger company today. I look forward to being a part of the team that takes this great company into the future and continues to serve the food, health, and wellness needs of today’s busy customers.”