<p style="text-indent:0px; line-height:12px;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Pleasanton, CA -</span><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">By Sarah Hoxie<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">01.03.13</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Safeway Inc. has announced that Steve Burd, Chairman and CEO, will retire at the Company's annual stockholders meeting on May 14, 2013 after 20 years as CEO of the company.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/safewaybody1.jpg" alt="images010312" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Some of the key initiatives Mr. Burd has engaged in during his time at Safeway include establishing a culture of thrift and capital discipline, creating an industry-leading customer service program, developing the "Lifestyle" store format, introducing a level of quality in perishable products that set the bar in food retailing, and forming a leading prepaid payment network. He also accelerated the Company's efforts in charitable giving and sustainability.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Mr. Burd joined Safeway in October 1992 as President and was appointed CEO in May of the following year, according to a press release.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"I feel this is the right time to move forward with a transition plan," said Mr. Burd. "The Company is gaining market share with each passing quarter. We have developed the most sophisticated digital marketing platform in retail, we are implementing the most comprehensive and personalized fuel loyalty program, and we will be rolling out a wellness initiative that has the potential to transform the Company."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Mr. Burd, continued, "While I still have the high level of energy and enthusiasm I brought to the Company 20 years ago...I need more personal time and, given my extensive work in health care, I want to pursue that interest further."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">A successor has not been found. The Board of Directors will begin a search for the individual to replace the long-time Chairman and CEO and will consider both internal and external options for the job. Mr. Burd will help with the search and continue to assist the Company after he transitions out of his leadership roles.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"Steve has been an iconic leader and is one of the industry's most innovative CEOs," said Gary Rogers, the Company's Lead Independent Director. "He will be very difficult to replace. As he moves to the next phase of his career, we hope to continue to leverage his input and assistance as the Company moves ahead with its exciting new programs."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.safeway.com/ShopStores/Shop.page?" target="_new"> Safeway </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
