Albertsons Restructures Management In Bid to Increase Efficiciences
BOISE, Idaho -- Albertsons, Inc. said Friday it was making crucial changes in its organizational structure, increasing the responsibilities of certain senior executives designed in order to enhance execution and drive efficiency improvements.
The changes are being effected through a reorganization of Albertsons' supply chain, food operations, and Six Sigma Quality managements, the company said.
As part of the reorganization, e.v.p. and chief technology officer Bob Dunst will be named e.v.p.-technology and supply chain, and will additionally oversee procurement, inventory management, distribution, warehousing, and logistics, among other responsibilities. Dunst will replace Clarence Gabriel, formerly e.v.p.-supply chain and asset management, who is leaving the company.
The change reflects Albertsons' expectation that technology and the supply chain will become more interdependent as eProcurement, RFID, satellite routing systems, WiFi shopping devices, Web grocery expansion and other advances come to the fore. Prior to joining the company in 2001, Dunst held positions at IBM, Food4Less, American Stores and Safeway.
Paul Gannon, e.v.p. and c.m.o., will get the new title of e.v.p-marketing and food operations, reflecting new responsibilities for all of the company's food operations, including food division operations, asset protection, and customer service. Albertsons' food banners (Acme, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaw's, and Star Market) and all six related food divisions will report directly to Gannon.
Before coming to Albertsons in 2004, Gannon served as the president and c.e.o. of Shaw's Supermarkets. During his 14 years there, he held management positions in information technology, finance, marketing, and real estate. Gannon has also worked in executive posts at Andersen Consulting and Hills Department Stores. He replaces former e.v.p.-food operations Bob Butler, who is retiring after 31 years of service.
E.v.p. and c.f.o. Felicia Thornton will also take on responsibility for Albertsons' Six Sigma Quality program, and the Office of Enterprise Program Management. More than a year ago, the grocer became the first in the food and drug industry to roll out a company-wide Six Sigma Quality program. Before coming to Albertsons in 2001, Thornton served in executive positions with such companies as Procter & Gamble, Paramount Pictures, Stride Rite, and the Kroger Co.
Dunst, Gannon, and Thornton will all become members of the Albertsons' executive council.
"These changes will drive higher levels of organizational efficiency as we consolidate management of these critically important functions under three of our talented senior leaders," said chairman, c.e.o., and president Larry Johnston. "As the company's strategic plan continues to evolve, these moves will also help increase our focus on customers in local markets, improve program execution, and enhance the experience base of our senior leadership team."
Albertsons' divisions and subsidiaries operate more than 2,500 stores in 37 states across the United States and employ more than 240,000 associates. Among its banners are Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Star Market, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, and Osco Drug.
The changes are being effected through a reorganization of Albertsons' supply chain, food operations, and Six Sigma Quality managements, the company said.
As part of the reorganization, e.v.p. and chief technology officer Bob Dunst will be named e.v.p.-technology and supply chain, and will additionally oversee procurement, inventory management, distribution, warehousing, and logistics, among other responsibilities. Dunst will replace Clarence Gabriel, formerly e.v.p.-supply chain and asset management, who is leaving the company.
The change reflects Albertsons' expectation that technology and the supply chain will become more interdependent as eProcurement, RFID, satellite routing systems, WiFi shopping devices, Web grocery expansion and other advances come to the fore. Prior to joining the company in 2001, Dunst held positions at IBM, Food4Less, American Stores and Safeway.
Paul Gannon, e.v.p. and c.m.o., will get the new title of e.v.p-marketing and food operations, reflecting new responsibilities for all of the company's food operations, including food division operations, asset protection, and customer service. Albertsons' food banners (Acme, Albertsons, Jewel, Shaw's, and Star Market) and all six related food divisions will report directly to Gannon.
Before coming to Albertsons in 2004, Gannon served as the president and c.e.o. of Shaw's Supermarkets. During his 14 years there, he held management positions in information technology, finance, marketing, and real estate. Gannon has also worked in executive posts at Andersen Consulting and Hills Department Stores. He replaces former e.v.p.-food operations Bob Butler, who is retiring after 31 years of service.
E.v.p. and c.f.o. Felicia Thornton will also take on responsibility for Albertsons' Six Sigma Quality program, and the Office of Enterprise Program Management. More than a year ago, the grocer became the first in the food and drug industry to roll out a company-wide Six Sigma Quality program. Before coming to Albertsons in 2001, Thornton served in executive positions with such companies as Procter & Gamble, Paramount Pictures, Stride Rite, and the Kroger Co.
Dunst, Gannon, and Thornton will all become members of the Albertsons' executive council.
"These changes will drive higher levels of organizational efficiency as we consolidate management of these critically important functions under three of our talented senior leaders," said chairman, c.e.o., and president Larry Johnston. "As the company's strategic plan continues to evolve, these moves will also help increase our focus on customers in local markets, improve program execution, and enhance the experience base of our senior leadership team."
Albertsons' divisions and subsidiaries operate more than 2,500 stores in 37 states across the United States and employ more than 240,000 associates. Among its banners are Albertsons, Acme, Shaw's, Star Market, Jewel-Osco, Sav-on Drugs, and Osco Drug.