Sweetbay Supermarket has chosen one of its own, Michael T. Vail, to take over as president and c.o.o., following the departure of Shelley Broader in June.

Vail most recently was s.v.p. of retail operations at Tampa, Fla.-based Sweetbay, but he began his career more than 20 years ago at Hannaford Bros. Both are chains under the umbrella of The Delhaize Group. In his new position, Vail will report to Ron Hodge, e.v.p. of The Delhaize Group.

"This promotion recognizes Mike's vision for Sweetbay," Hodge said. "His analytical ability, strong motivation, and the creativity he brings to product and sales growth is outstanding and highly regarded throughout the industry."

Vail moved to Tampa in 2001, and became v.p. of merchandising for Kash n' Karry, providing leadership for the evolution to Hannaford supply chain systems. In 2004, he assumed the responsibilities of s.v.p. of retail operations. In this role, he successfully led the operational transition from Kash n' Karry to Sweetbay.

During his years at Hannaford, he held several positions, such as retail management trainee, store manager, district manager, category manager, and eventually, director of deli merchandising.

Vail serves on the board of directors of America's Second Harvest.

Broader, whose title was president and c.e.o. at Sweetbay, left the grocery industry to serve as president and c.o.o. at Michaels Stores, Inc. She was one of the handful of female chief executive officers in the supermarket industry, and the main force behind the creation and expansion of the Sweetbay retail brand.