Albertsons Updates Merchandising Team Leadership
Albertsons Cos. has overhauled its merchandising team with several leadership changes the grocer said will help it “buy better to sell better.”
Among the notable changes is the recent transition of Michelle Larson into her new role as the company’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Additionally, Albertsons recently named Jack Pestello as president of Own Brands with oversight of its private-label portfolio that accounts for more than $16 billion in annual sales.
Larson most recently was executive vice president of Operations West. She now oversees Own Brands, Category Excellence, Pricing & Promotion, Space Planning, and Fuel and Commission Income.
“It’s a new day at Albertsons Cos., and we are sharpening our customer value proposition to drive long-term growth faster than the market,” said Larson. “I look forward to working with this talented team of leaders to support our associates and serve our customers, inspiring them to return again and again.”
As part of the grocer’s merchandising transformation, Mark Laryea has been named president of Merchandising, reporting to Larson. He most recently was president of the Jewel-Osco Division and will now oversee merchandising strategy.
Other members of the merchandising team include:
- Jewel Hunt, GVP, Corporate Merchandising, continues to lead merchandising strategies for bakery, deli, and Starbucks.
- Anthony Suggs, GVP, Corporate Merchandising, continues to lead center store merchandising strategy.
- Teresa Whitney, GVP, Corporate Merchandising, continues to lead merchandising strategies for meat and seafood, produce, and floral.
- Chris Cowgill, GVP, Merchandising, will become GVP Business Intelligence and Analytics, responsible for Analytics, Financial Reporting, and Business Optimization, in partnership with the Customer Insights team.
- Christopher Lanoue, lead merchant for the NorCal Division, will move into the role of GVP, Merchandising Operations, leading the team responsible for Systems/Tools, Item and Data Governance, Pricing and Promotion, and Space Planning.
- June Zheng, VP, Merchandising Strategy and Business Development, will report directly to Larson. She will be responsible for leading merchandising strategy support and Business Ventures.
