Jablonski to retire as head of Shaw's

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Supervalu announced today that Carl Jablonski, president of the company's Shaw's banner in New England, has decided to retire after 38 years with the company. Larry Wahlstrom, president of the company's Jewel-Osco banner in Chicago, will replace Jablonski as president of Shaw's. Wahlstrom will be succeeded by Keith Nielsen, Jewel-Osco's senior vp of operations.

"Carl Jablonski has had a remarkable career that has included a number of significant contributions to our ongoing success. On behalf of Supervalu, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for Carl's years of service and wish him well in his retirement," Jeff Noddle, Supervalu chairman and ceo, said.

Wahlstrom will move to Shaw's immediately to transition responsibilities from Jablonski, who will stay with the company through the end of the month. Jablonski will be available through the end of the year to assist with the transition. Nielsen, a 40-year veteran of the company, will step into the president role at Jewel-Osco this week.

Wahlstrom is a 37-year veteran of the company with a wide range of experience in both food and drug store operations. He began his career at Osco Drug as a store associate in Green Bay, Wis., before rising through the ranks in a number of leadership roles including store director and vp of the Osco New England division, and president of one of the Albertsons food divisions. He also held a number of corporate leadership assignments for Albertsons before becoming president of Jewel-Osco in 2004.

Nielsen has served as Jewel-Osco's senior vp of operations for the past eight years. Prior to his most recent assignment, Nielsen held a variety of leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including store director, district manager, and area vp.