Jewel-Osco president to retire

CHICAGO — Jewel-Osco president William Emmons is retiring less than a year after taking the helm at the grocery chain, which is now part of New Albertsons Inc., according to a Chicago Tribute report.

The Chicago grocer has tapped Jim Rice, who has served as VP of operations since August, to take the reins on a interim basis, the Chicago Tribute reported. Rice has worked for Albertsons for more than 35 years.

Rice began his career as a part-time associate with the goal to become a store director, which he achieved in Southern California in 1986. From there, he was promoted to district manager in both Florida and Las Vegas, roles which prepared him to be VP of the Northern California division and later the president of the Southwest division.

In February 2013, it was announced that Emmons would head Jewel-Osco. Emmons was formerly president of the southern division and returned to the company following his 2010 retirement. He began working at Albertsons in 1971.