PARSIPPANY, NJ – Kings Food Markets has appointed long-time company veteran Rich Durante as its new President and Chief Operating Officer.
He began his career with Kings starting in 1988 as a Store Manager. From then on, he quickly rose up the ranks and gained invaluable experience leading the merchandising, operations, marketing, and engineering teams in the strategic positioning of the company for growth and innovation, according to a press release.
Durante succeeds Kings’ Judy Spires as President, though Spires will retain her title as CEO and, more recently, Chairman.
“At Kings, we place great value in our leadership,” said Spires. “We are so excited to recognize these leaders for their contributions and look forward to their success in driving the company’s key strategic initiatives.”
The New Jersey-based retailer also named 18-year company veteran Jessica Gasser as its new Senior Vice President of Talent and Technology. Throughout her time at Kings, Gasser progressed through various HR positions and recently took on the responsibility of overseeing the Information Technology group, providing strategic leadership to maximize company goals.
Kings Food Markets operates 25 stores in the New Jersey region and will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2016.
