Marc Poulin out as Sobeys CEO

The boards of directors of Stellarton, Nova Scotia-based Empire Company Ltd. and Sobeys Inc. said Marc Poulin, president and CEO, has left the companies, effective immediately. François Vimard, Empire’s chief financial and administrative officer, was appointed interim president and CEO as the company initiates an orderly succession process to identify a permanent leader. Vimard will also replace Poulin on the Empire board of directors.

“On behalf of the board, I would like to thank Marc  for his efforts and leadership as CEO over the past four years and, prior to that, for the important role he played in developing our Quebec business,” said Rob Dexter, chair of Empire Company Ltd. 

Dexter said the board is unanimous in its support of Vimard.

“Despite the significant challenges we have faced over the past year, the board is confident the company is pursuing the right strategy,” he said. “It is our clear expectation that François and his strong and experienced leadership team will prioritize and advance the most critical elements of the company’s strategy to ensure we meet the needs and expectations of our customers and see the return of long-term profitable growth for the company.” 

A chartered professional accountant, Vimard brings a wealth of experience and extensive knowledge of Empire and Sobeys to his new position, the companies said. He has more than 30 years of experience in the food retailing business, joining Sobeys in1995.  

Clinton Keay, Empire’s executive vice president of finance, will assume the role of interim chief financial officer. He is a chartered professional accountant who joined Sobeys in 1989, the companies said, and held a number of progressively senior finance roles before being appointed senior vice president and chief information officer in 2002 and executive vice president of finance for Empire in 2014.