Sobeys Names Yves Laverdière to Lead Quebec Div.

Sobeys Inc. has elevated veteran executive Yves Laverdière as president of its Quebec business unit. He succeeds Claude Tessier, who left the retailer in late January to pursue another opportunity.

Laverdière, who has been with the company for 19 years as a senior leader within Sobey's Quebec division, most recently served as SVP of merchandising for the IGA banner. In his new role, Laverdière will also serve as a member of Sobeys Inc.'s leadership committee.

“Yves is a well respected, experienced food executive who understands all aspects of our business in Quebec,” said Marc Poulin, president/CEO of Sobeys Inc. “He is well positioned to continue advancing our Joy of Eating Better strategy and executing our plan to serve the needs of our customers throughout the province. His expertise and insight will also prove of great value for our company as a whole," Poulin added.

Headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys is a wholly owned subsidiary of Empire Co. Ltd., and owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods and Lawton’s Drug Stores, as well as 350-plus fuel locations.