Veteran grocers appointed to key positions created to drive efficiency,
effectiveness and post-acquisition synergies
BRAMPTON, ON, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX:L),
today announced that veteran company executives Grant Froese and Mark
Butler have been appointed to the newly created roles of chief
administrative officer and executive vice president, integration,
respectively.
Grant Froese assumes responsibility for Supply Chain, IT, and SAP
implementation, as well as the division support functions of Control
Brands, E-Commerce, Goods Not For Resale, Off-shore Procurement and
Marketing. Grant has over 35 years of experience at Loblaw and most
recently held the position of executive vice president, Discount
Division.
"The appointment of Grant Froese as chief administrative officer brings
important shared service functions including IT and Supply Chain under
a single experienced executive as we enter the next key phase of
building Loblaw's competitiveness and efficiency," said Vicente Trius,
president, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Grant's combination of deep
operational and merchandising experience is an ideal fit as we ramp up
the IT roll-out to our store network and drive our efficiency agenda to
become a more agile company."
Mark Butler will take on the critical responsibility for planning the
integration of Shoppers Drug Mart, while ensuring it remains a vibrant,
independent division. And subject to completion of the transaction
following review by the Competition Bureau, Mark will lead the team
charged with delivering synergies. Mark has 37 years with Loblaw, and
most recently was executive vice president, Conventional Division.
"Mark Butler is a seasoned operator with deep expertise and
relationships in the key areas we have targeted for synergies. We are
committed to achieving the targets we have outlined and I am confident
that Mark and his team will deliver on those objectives," continued Mr.
Trius.
"With improved positioning and an enhanced customer offer, our Discount
and Conventional divisions are well positioned with a strong internal
leadership team ready to build on the foundation set by Grant and
Mark," said Mr. Trius. "We are excited to announce the appointment of
two experienced executives, Garry Senecal and Andrew Iacobucci, to lead
our Conventional and Discount divisions, respectively."
Garry Senecal becomes executive vice president, Conventional Division,
and continues to lead the Health and Wellness team, which includes
Loblaw's current Pharmacy, Optical and Natural Value offerings. Garry
brings over 22 years of Canadian and international store operations,
merchandising, brands and marketing experience to the role.
Andrew Iacobucci becomes executive vice president, Discount Division.
Andrew joined Loblaw in 2005 and brings a deep background in
merchandising, operations and strategy to the role as a key leader of
the Discount division since 2011.
Having successfully completed the design and build phases of the supply
chain and IT infrastructure project, Peter McMahon will be leaving the
company.
"As chief operating officer, Peter was instrumental in the
revitalization of our supply chain and the development of the SAP
platform and digital strategy," said Vicente Trius. "We thank Peter for
his commitment and contribution to the company, and wish him the very
best in his future endeavours."
About Loblaw Companies Limited
Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is
Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore,
general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one
of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000
corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its
franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees.
Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to
providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of
products and services to meet the everyday household demands of
Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and
value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control
(private) label program, including the unique President's Choice®, no name® and Joe Fresh® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial® services and offers the PC® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program.
SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited
