Portnoy to head merchandising at Winn-Dixie

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. Winn-Dixie Stores has named Dan Portnoy senior vp and chief merchandising and marketing officer. Portnoy, who is set to join the company in mid-July, will be responsible for leading the merchandising and marketing efforts of the 521-store chain which emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last year.

Portnoy most recently served as president and ceo of Kings Super Markets in Parsipanny, N.J. Prior to that, he was senior vp of Cott Corp., the world's largest retailer branded manufacturer. He has also held numerous executive level positions with companies such as Daymon Worldwide, American Stores, The Food Emporium and Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company.

"Dan brings with him more than 30 years of experience in the food industry on both the retail and manufacturing sides," said Peter Lynch, president, ceo and chairman of the board for Winn-Dixie. "Aligning our merchandising and marketing departments under his leadership will allow us to strengthen both of those functions and provide the framework to build a stronger and more competitive company."