Report: CEO of A&P departs

New York -- Sam Martin, president and CEO of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., has left the company, Produce News reported.

"We all thank Sam for his time at A&P and wish him well in his future endeavors," the company said in a statement. “At the appropriate time in the company’s 2014 planning process, a new chief executive officer will be identified.”



Gregory Mays, executive chairman of the supermarket company, is serving as interim CEO until a successor is named.



Prior to taking the position as president and CEO at A&P in 2010, Martin was the chief COO Office Max. He also held executive positions with Wild Oats and ShopKo.



A&P operates more than 300 stores in six states under the A&P, Food Basics, The Food Emporium, Pathmark, Superfresh and Waldbaum's banners.