<p style="text-indent:0px; line-height:12px;"><span style="font-weight:bold;"> Minneapolis, MN-</span><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">By Jordan Okumura<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">03.04.13</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><img src="https://cdn.andnowuknow.com/legacyWriterImages/SuperValu_leadership_plans_BODY.jpg" alt="Cropped Images 03042013" /><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Sam Duncan, SUPERVALU, CEO, has announced the company's executive and banner leadership plans as it continues preparations to move forward following the close of its previously announced transaction with AB Acquisition LLC slated to close March 18, 2013. The company will focus on serving wholesale grocery operators, growing its hard discount format and running a smaller, more efficient retail operations, according to a press release. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The announcement includes additions to SUPERVALU’s corporate leadership team as well as new presidents at Save-A-Lot and Shop ‘N Save. Mark Van Buskirk has been named Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Marketing for SUPERVALU. In his new role, he will be responsible for overseeing companywide retail merchandising and marketing efforts. In addition he will also direct SUPERVALU’s private brand offerings and retail pharmacy teams. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Rob Woseth has been appointed Executive Vice President, Chief Strategy Officer. Woseth will focus on identifying strategic growth opportunities and working with banner leadership to build and maximize the company businesses, in addition to overseeing real estate and corporate development. Steve Fox has been named Senior Vice President, Food Merchandising and comes to SUPERVALU after spending 41 years in retail leadership positions with Fred Meyer. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Duncan also announced the appointment of Ritchie Casteel as President and CEO of Save-A-Lot. Casteel replaces Santiago Roces who will remain with the company over the next several weeks to assist the new CEO in ensuring a smooth transition.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>SUPERVALU will retain its five regional retail banners: CUB Foods based in Minnesota; Hornbacher’s in North Dakota; Farm Fresh in Virginia; Shop ‘N Save in St. Louis; and Shoppers in Baltimore/Washington DC. </p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>The banner Presidents will report directly to Duncan and serve on his leadership team.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Eric Hymas has been named President of Shop ‘N Save, replacing Marlene Gebhard. Hymas most recently served as Senior Vice President of Merchandising for SUPERVALU.</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p>Bill Parker has been appointed President, Farm Fresh. He has served for the past seven months in the role of interim President. Brian Audette will continue as president of CUB Foods with Matt Leiseth continuing as President of Hornbacher’s. Bob Bly will continue to be President of Shoppers.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Sam Ducan, states, “We have much work to do, both today, and after the transaction closes, but I am pleased with the new leadership team we are assembling and know together we will work tirelessly to improve our business and increase shareholder value. I am energized by what I have seen every day and believe this company will be successful going forward.”<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Several current executives will depart the company upon completion of the transaction and include Kevin Holt, President, SUPERVALU Retail; Tim Lowe, Executive Vice President, Merchandising and Michael Moore, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">“I thank Kevin for his leadership over our retail teams, as well as Tim and Michael for the work they have done leading our retail merchandising and marketing efforts, respectively,” said Duncan. “They have helped ready the business for the future and I appreciate all they have done to ensure a smooth transition. I wish each of them well with their future endeavors.”</p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><p><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://www.supervaluinvestors.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=93272&p=irol-irHome" target="_new"> Supervalu </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
