PLEASANTON, CA - Safeway Inc. has named Robert Edwards President of the company. Since 2004, Mr. Edwards has served as Safeway's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, Mr. Edwards will be responsible for the company's retail operations, marketing, merchandising, corporate brands, manufacturing, distribution and finance functions, according to a press release. He will maintain his position as Chief Financial Officer until his successor is named for the CFO position.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Safeway Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Steve Burd, states, "Robert is one of those unusual executives with a strong command of both the financial and operational sides of our business." Mr. Burd, continues, "His deep engagement with our operations and marketing units while he has been CFO will make for a seamless transition to Robert's new role. His assumption of these new duties provides me an opportunity to concentrate more of my time on innovation and a range of strategic initiatives that will drive core and non-core business growth in the long term."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Safeway Inc. is also announcing that Larree Renda, Executive Vice President, will be taking on additional responsibilities in her role including real estate which includes Property Development Centers as well as additional responsibilities in information technology. In her current position, Ms. Renda manages human resources and labor relations, strategic initiatives, corporate social responsibility, government relations, public affairs and Safeway Health, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"> Steve Burd, states, "We are taking one of our most productive and talented executives and broadening her duties to include oversight of two key functions." The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, continues, "Both of these changes to our management structure will further strengthen our senior team and our ability to deliver sustainable growth."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">www.safeway.com<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
