OPERATIONS / SUPPLY CHAIN

Former Walmart exec to be new CEO at Mills Fleet Farm

The former chief merchandising and marketing officer at Walmart has joined a Midwestern chain of farm and home stores as its new CEO.

Mills Fleet Farm announced that former Walmart executive and Wisconsin native Duncan Mac Naughton will assume the role of CEO of the company now that it has been acquired by KKR, a global investment firm.
Ahold Delhaize petitions to add 'Royal' to its moniker post merger
Ahold on Monday announced that the King of the Netherlands has honored its request to use the predicate “Koninklijke” (“Royal”) after its intended merger with Delhaize Group.

Upon completion of the proposed merger, the statutory name of the combined company will be “Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V.”

Whole Foods is rolling out a food truck

Whole Foods Market is launching a new format that aims to cater to the downtown business crowd, only this time there's no bricks-and-mortar involved. The grocery chain is launching a food truck in Austin, Texas, in March, according to the Austin Business Journal. The retailer plans to offer sandwiches and salads at first and likely expand the menu eventually. [Austin Business Journal]
Instacart names former Amazon exec as operations head

Online delivery service provider Instacart has hired a veteran of a company known for extreme efficiency to take charge of its operations.

Mike Swartz, a retail veteran whose career notably includes a nine-year stint as director of operational excellence at Amazon.com from 1998-2007, is the new senior VP of operations for Instacart. Since Amazon, Swartz’ experience includes four years as senior VP of operations for specialty hair care e-commerce company Folica Inc. and four years as an independent consultant.
Wakefern goes in-house for new tech chief

Wakefern Food Corp. has named executive Cheryl Williams as its new CIO and VP of the computer information services division.
SAP names new retail chief

SAP has named Achim Schneider as global head of its Retail Industry Business Unit.

Schneider will be responsible for the retail industry footprint at SAP and will report directly to Lori Mitchell-Keller, global general manager of consumer industries.

In his new role, Schneider leads retail industry activities at SAP and will oversee cloud and on-premise technology solutions designed for use by retailers.
Build-A-Bear Workshop adds toy, social media expertise to board

Build-A-Bear is adding two new board members whose backgrounds should serve the company well as it moves forward with its transformation plan.

Build-A-Bear announcedthat Tim Kilpin and Sarah Personette have been appointed to the company’s board of directors.
Tractor Supply makes management appointments

Tractor Supply Company announced two management promotions. Benjamin Parrish, Jr. has been promoted to executive VP, general counsel, real estate and construction, and Kurt Barton has been promoted to senior VP, controller.

Parrish will assume leadership responsibilities for the company's Real Estate and Construction department in addition to his previous responsibilities for Compliance, Legal, Loss Prevention, Risk Management, Safety and Stewardship.
Another industry vet bids Kroger adieu

After 44 years with Kroger, Smith’s division president Jay Cummins announced plans to retire.

Cummins joined the company in 1972 as a clerk. His retirement will take effect April 29, the company said. A replacement to lead the 139 unit Salt Lake City-based division was not immediately named.
There’s a new sheriff at specialty apparel retailer

Irvine, California-based specialty Western and workwear retailer Boot Barn is laying down the law.