Minyard Names New C.E.O.
COPPELL, Texas -- Minyard Food Stores, Inc. here said Friday that Michael D. Byars has been promoted to president and c.e.o. from his prior position as e.v.p. of operations. The company didn't say why former c.e.o. Ron Johnson is stepping aside. However, it said that Johnson will focus his efforts on "broad strategic opportunities" as chairman of the Minyard Group, in keeping with the company succession plan.
Johnson joined Minyard after an investor group acquired the company from the founding Minyard family in 2004.
"Over the past year Mike has been instrumental in realigning our organization and bringing new disciplines into our operations," said Johnson in a statement. "In this new role Mike will be able to lead all aspects of the organization while I focus my efforts on other initiatives."
Noted Byars: "I welcome this vote of confidence and look forward to building on the positive momentum we have worked hard to establish. With the very successful re-grand opening of four of our Carnival stores in Dallas this past weekend, I am excited for the continued successes that lie ahead."
Byars has been with Minyard Food Stores only a year and a half, but he has more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, including over 25 years with Delhaize Group. He led Kash n' Karry Food Stores in Tampa, Fla. for seven years as c.o.o. During his tenure at Kash n' Karry, he also served as part of the senior officer committee of Delhaize America.
Minyard also announced that Pat Liska, formerly e.v.p. of merchandising and marketing, will become e.v.p. of business development.
Minyard Food Stores currently operates 67 supermarkets and 15 fuel stations in and around the six surrounding counties of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, including 24 Minyard, 24 Carnival, and 19 Sack 'n Save Food Stores.
Johnson joined Minyard after an investor group acquired the company from the founding Minyard family in 2004.
"Over the past year Mike has been instrumental in realigning our organization and bringing new disciplines into our operations," said Johnson in a statement. "In this new role Mike will be able to lead all aspects of the organization while I focus my efforts on other initiatives."
Noted Byars: "I welcome this vote of confidence and look forward to building on the positive momentum we have worked hard to establish. With the very successful re-grand opening of four of our Carnival stores in Dallas this past weekend, I am excited for the continued successes that lie ahead."
Byars has been with Minyard Food Stores only a year and a half, but he has more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, including over 25 years with Delhaize Group. He led Kash n' Karry Food Stores in Tampa, Fla. for seven years as c.o.o. During his tenure at Kash n' Karry, he also served as part of the senior officer committee of Delhaize America.
Minyard also announced that Pat Liska, formerly e.v.p. of merchandising and marketing, will become e.v.p. of business development.
Minyard Food Stores currently operates 67 supermarkets and 15 fuel stations in and around the six surrounding counties of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, including 24 Minyard, 24 Carnival, and 19 Sack 'n Save Food Stores.