Giant Eagle looks to its own for CEO, president positions

PITTSBURGH — Giant Eagle has named Laura Shapira Karet CEO and John Lucot president and COO. Both appointments are effective Jan. 9, 2012.

Karet, 42, is taking over the position from her father David Shapira, who will assume the position of executive chairman of Giant Eagle's board of directors. Shapira has served as CEO 1980.

"Our company's success is made possible by the commitment to our founding principles, and the continued dedication of 36,000 Team Members who deliver the Giant Eagle experience to customers each day," said Karet. "I hope to emulate the type of leader that my father has been for our company, while continuing to cultivate a dedication to high quality foods, great customer service and investing in the communities we serve."

Karet joined Giant Eagle in 2000 as VP. Karet most recently served as Giant Eagle senior EVP and chief strategy officer, responsible for the development and management of Giant Eagle's long-term business plan and setting direction for its corporate priorities and innovations.

Prior to joining Giant Eagle, Karet held marketing executive positions at Sara Lee from 1997 to 2000, including director branded marketing for the bakery division. Karet also served in several brand management roles at Procter and Gamble from 1990 to 1997 for household name products such as Crisco shortening, Folgers Coffee, Giorgio Beverly Hills fragrances and Secret antiperspirant.

Lucot currently serves as COO for Giant Eagle and was instrumental in the development of Giant Eagle's GetGo, Real Estate and Independent Operations businesses, according to the company. He began is career at Giant Eagle in 1974as a Giant Eagle supermarket clerk. His tenure has included executive positions in distribution, retail development, real estate and operations.