Albertsons and Safeway ready to roll

The merger between Albertsons and Safeway is expected to close in a few months and when it does the combined company already has a new senior leadership and field operations structure in place.



The companies late Friday announced key leadership positions it said drew on strong talent within both organizations to build an innovative, customer-focused and growth-driven company.



"We are confident in this team's ability to build a great company that's positioned to win over the long term by earning the loyalty of grocery shoppers in every market we serve and delivering superior operational and financial results,” said Safeway president and CEO Robert Edwards.



Edwards will serve as CEO of the combined company once the deal closes and current Albertsons CEO Bob Miller will become executive chairman. The combined company will operate nearly 2,400 stores under banners such as Safeway, Vons, Pavilions, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Carrs, ACME, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Lucky, Shaws, Star Market, Super Saver, Amigos, Market Street and United Supermarkets.



"We know the best way to grow our business is to have the highest quality fresh departments, lower prices, clean, well-stocked stores and the best customer service in the market," Miller said. "Our teams will focus on delivering what customers want locally, and we will give our store teams more flexibility to make decisions that are right for their neighborhoods. The division teams will have the responsibility to have the right assortment for their markets."



Shareholders of both companies approved the merger on July 25 and the deal is now under review by the Federal Trade Commission but is expected to close during the fourth quarter. The new company will be comprised of three regions and 14 retail divisions that will be supported by corporate offices in Boise, ID, Pleasanton, CA, and Phoenix, AZ. Key personnel appointments include:



Bob Gordon, EVP and general counsel

Shane Sampson, EVP of marketing and merchandising

Andy Scoggin, EVP of human resources, labor relations, public and government affairs

Jerry Tidwell, EVP of supply chain and manufacturing

Lee Wilson, EVP and chief administrative officer

Bob Dimond, EVP and CFO

Justin Ewing, EVP corporate development and real estate

Barry Libenson, interim EVP and CIO

Wayne Denningham, EVP and COO, south region

Justin Dye, EVP and COO east region

Kelly Griffith, EVP and COO north region