BOISE, ID – Albertsons Companies is welcoming a new week and a new executive. Jim Donald, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks, joins the team as the newly appointed President and Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. In addition to his position as a member of the Board of Directors for Rite Aid from 2008 to 2013, Donald’s career includes experience in senior leadership roles at both Albertson’s, Inc. and Safeway, Inc., providing him with the retail operating expertise that he will now bring to the Albertsons team in his executive role.
“Jim Donald has built an exceptional career in retail. His knowledge of our company and industry is unmatched, and I know his contributions will be invaluable as we enter the next chapter of Albertsons Companies,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Bob Miller, in a recent press release from the company. “We look forward to tapping his expertise in leading large consumer brands as we work every day to meet our customers’ needs, both in-store and online.”
In his new role as President and Chief Operating Officer, Donald will be in charge of operations for the more than 2,300-store reach. In addition to this, he will assist in the acceleration of Albertsons Companies’ omnichannel platform growth. Donald is stepping into the role Wayne Denningham held, who retired earlier this year, and in his new position, Donald will work in conjunction with leadership from the company after the close of the recent merger with Rite Aid, subject to customary regulatory approvals and approval by Rite Aid shareholders. Susan Morris will continue in her role at the company after being named Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer in January of this year.
“Having first worked at Albertsons 42 years ago, I have watched as an insider and from afar how their keen focus on customer service maintained a solid foundation for their team through the years,” Donald shared. “Their acquisitive nature combined with their recent innovation efforts and strong Own Brands portfolio have helped them to build an even stronger company today. I look forward to being a part of the team that takes this great company into the future and continues to serve the food, health, and wellness needs of today’s busy customers.”
Donald’s recent roles include that of Chief Executive Officer of the U.S.-based hotel chain Extended Stay America from 2012 to 2015, as well as President and Chief Executive Officer of food and pharmacy retailer Haggen, Inc. from 2009 to 2011. Further, Donald held executive roles at Starbucks as, first, President of North America Division before working up to President and Chief Executive Officer of Starbucks Corporation.
From all of us at AndNowUKnow, congratulations to Jim Donald and the Albertsons Companies team, we wish you success!
