Jim Donald, previously the president and chief operating officer of Albertsons, is now the president and chief executive officer of the company.
He succeeds Robert Miller, who will continue in his role as chairman of the board, according to a news release.
“Albertsons Cos. is uniquely positioned to operate in both a ‘four walls’ traditional environment and the ‘no walls’ world of technology,” Donald said in the release. “We serve 34 million customers each week across our 2,300-plus stores and serve 5.5 million patients in our 1,700-plus pharmacies. That’s a significant food, health and wellness footprint.
“We’re well positioned to serve the evolving needs of today’s customer, wherever and whenever they choose to shop with us,” Donald said. “I am looking forward to leading this dynamic company as we focus on innovation and customer-centric retailing in all its forms.”
Donald joined Albertsons in March. Over the span of his career, he has also worked with Walmart, Pathmark Stores, Starbucks and other companies.
Miller also has had a long career in the grocery industry, from Albertsons to Fred Meyer to Kroger to Rite Aid and back to Albertsons.
“Jim is an exceptional retailer,” Miller said in the release. “In the seven months since he joined Albertsons Cos., he’s flown tens of thousands of miles and met personally with thousands of employees in hundreds of our stores, distribution centers, manufacturing plants and offices around the country,” Miller said. “His expertise in listening to front-line employees and customers, facilitating employee engagement and generating sales is unmatched, and there is no better leader for Albertsons Cos. at this state in our evolution.”