PARSIPPANY, NJ - This week, Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market is welcoming four company leaders to new positions. Joseph Parisi was named Chief Operating Officer; Allen Merken was appointed Vice President, Engineering, Real Estate and Construction; Kathe Benjamin was named Vice President, Human Resources and Labor Relations; and Sharon Bastianelli will take on Vice President, Information Technology.
“At Kings and Balducci’s, we are proud to foster and reward professional growth within the company. Joe, Allen, Kathe, and Sharon will continue to lead these two brands into new territory and we look forward to incorporating their strategic input and direction,” said Judy Spires, Chairman and CEO of Kings and Balducci’s.
Parisi began his career Kings Food Markets as Store Manager and now leads the Operations, Engineering, and Maintenance teams. In his new position, he will oversee all new store build-outs as the company continues to expand, a recent press release noted. He was named 2017 Person of the Year by the New Jersey Weights & Measures Association.
Merken, in his new position, will support the company’s growth plans through direct involvement in real estate opportunities, as well as manage all current real estate relationships with landlords, real estate brokers, and various community and civic organizations.
Benjamin has held positions as Executive Secretary, HR Administrator, HR Manager for Home Office, HR Manager for Stores, and Manager of Employee and Labor Relations. She most recently held the position of Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations.
In her new VP position, Bastianelli will drive the collaboration between merchandising, operations, and all support departments to ensure that information systems support the strategic needs of the business. Bastianelli will also oversee the Retail, Network, and Programming teams.
Congratulations to Parisi, Merken, Benjamin, and Bastianelli on these new positions!
