GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The new year will ring in exciting changes at Meijer. The retailer announced today that effective January 1, 2017 Meijer President Rick Keyes will add the title of Chief Executive Officer. Hank Meijer, who has held the role of CEO will move on to serve as the Executive Chairman of the Meijer Board.
“We have witnessed Rick’s deep understanding and appreciation of our culture and his passion for the people who make Meijer a great company,” said Hank Meijer. “His accomplishments throughout a 27-year career–and his leadership as President for more than a year now–give us tremendous confidence in the future as he assumes a new title that better reflects his responsibilities.”
The move is noteworthy, as the Meijer CEO position has historically been held by family members, while President has been held by non-family. In a release, the company noted that this decision is based on the desire to align roles more accurately with current responsibilities.
In keeping with the Meijer family’s ongoing significant involvement, Executive Chairman Hank Meijer will work closely with CEO Rick Keyes in developing and executing strategies consistent with the values at the heart of the team. Directors Doug Meijer and Mark Meijer will also stay actively involved through their roles. This move follows a $400 million investment earlier this year.
Meijer operates more than 220 stores and employs more than 65,000 team members throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Wisconsin.
