Winn-Dixie picks a good Appel to head retail ops

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Winn-Dixie Stores announced that Laurence Appel, who joined Winn-Dixie in 2002 and formerly served as general counsel, corporate secretary and SVP human resources, has been named SVP retail operations. Appel replaces Frank Eckstein, who has retired from his current role but will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until the end of fiscal year 2011.

Lynch stated, “Larry has tremendous experience with Winn-Dixie and in retail in general, having worked at Winn-Dixie for nearly a decade and at Home Depot prior to that. I am confident he will make a very positive impact on the management of our stores as we continue to execute our strategic initiatives and lay the foundation for our future growth.”

Appel will be succeeded as general counsel by Timothy Williams, who joined Winn-Dixie in 2003 and formerly served as assistant general counsel; and as SVP human resources by Anita Dahlstrom-Gutel, who joined the company almost two years ago and formerly served as VP corporate human resources and talent acquisition/management. In their new roles, both will report to Mr.Lynch.

Dan Portnoy, SVP and chief merchandising and marketing officer, has resigned from the company. Portnoy’s duties will be performed by Mary Kellmanson, group VP marketing; Matt Gutermuth, group VP non-perishables, pricing and corporate brands; James Smits, group VP perishables; and John Fegan, VP Pharmacy. All four also will report directly to Lynch.