SuperValu taps Wal-Mart exec as CEO

US-based SuperValu has announced that its board of directors has appointed Craig Herkert of Wal-Mart as Chief Executive Officer. Jeff Noddle, who has served as Chief Executive Officer since 2001 and chairman of the board since 2002, will continue to serve as the company’s Executive Chairman and will work closely with Herkert over the upcoming months to ensure a smooth transition of senior management. Herkert’s official start date has not yet been determined. “As we approach the end of year three of our company’s transformation and as I begin planning for retirement, the time is right to lay the groundwork for continuity of leadership through the next phase of our journey,” said Noddle. “Craig Herkert is a talented executive with extensive experience in food retailing and supply chain management. As an integral part of Wal-Mart’s senior leadership team, he has demonstrated an ability to create shareholder value and achieve business results.” With more than 30 years of retail experience, Herkert comes to SuperValu from Wal-Mart where he has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Americas since 2004. In that role, Herkert was responsible for a USD52 billion business that encompassed a variety of diverse formats across Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. From 2000 to 2003, Herkert served as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Wal-Mart International, responsible for international merchandising, marketing and operations. Prior to joining Wal-Mart, Herkert spent 23 years with the American Stores and Albertsons companies.

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