Ex-Winn-Dixie CEO joins RPAI board

Supermarket industry veteran Peter Lynch was named to the board of directors at Retail Properties of America (RPAI).

The publicly held owner and operator of 227 properties encompassing 31.2 million square feet said Lynch’s extensive experience in the grocery industry would aid RPAI in its repositioning efforts.

"RPAI's board continues to transform in response to our strategic portfolio and balance sheet repositioning efforts," said Steven Grimes, RPAI’s president and CEO. "RPAI has a strong grocery-anchored portfolio, which represents approximately 37% of our total multi-tenant retail portfolio, and Mr. Lynch's extensive background in the grocery industry, as well as his years of experience in strategic business planning and financial management, will make him a valuable asset to our board."

Lynch served as CEO of Winn-Dixie from 2004 to 2012. Prior to that, he held executive positions with Albertson’s from 1998 to 2003, including the position of president and COO. During his time at Albertson's, RPAI said Lynch spearheaded the successful merger of American Stores Company, which operated food and drug stores in the Midwest, into Albertson's. Lynch also held executive positions with Jewel/Osco, including president of the ACME division and SVP of store operations.