BGJ Group adds Panzer, Shea as associates
Two longtime retail executives are joining management consulting firm The BGJ Group. Mark Panzer, most recently Albertsons senior vice president of pharmacy, health and wellness, and Mark Shea, a former longtime Kroger executive, have joined the Naples, Fla.-based firm as associates.
The two bring the expertise of a combined more than 80 years of experience across the supermarket, drug, dollar and mass retail industries, with particular experience in retail operations, merchandising, strategy development and product development that they now will bring to bear on BGJ Group’s client needs.
“We couldn’t be more excited that two lifelong retailers who are well respected in the industry for their knowledge, leadership and accomplishments chose The BGJ Group to continue their contributions to the retail industry,” said Vince Burke, managing partner of BGJ. “As our company grows, we know how important it is to keep adding value for current clients and prospective clients and Mark and Rich are clear proof of our effort.”
Panzer’s career began more than 40 years ago with Osco Drug, where he moved up through the ranks to be senior vice president of sales and marketing for American Drug Stores, which merged with Albertsons in 1999. In 2001, he joined Rite Aid as executive vice president of store operations, ultimately ending up as that chain’s senior executive vice president and chief marketing officer. Beginning in 2008, he led Pharmaca Integrative Pharmacy as president and CEO, then returned to Albertsons in 2015 in his most recent role, which was expanded to include oversight of general merchandise and the health and beauty business in 2016. In 2018, Panzer served as chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores. He departed Albertsons in August 2020.
“I’m looking forward to working with team at BGJ to bring my expertise and experience to our clients. It’s a great opportunity to guide leading retailers, brands and vendors to increase their profitability and performance,” Panzer said.
Shea brings to BGJ more than 40 years of experience in merchandising procurement and marketing, including 34 years with Kroger in store operations, division management and corporate headquarters roles. For the last 18 years he was with Kroger, Shea led merchandising for health and beauty care, as well as nonfoods. His work at Kroger included playing a key role in initiatives focused on pricing strategy, store layout, collaborative category optimization and using consumer data to create strategies and tactics.
“The BGJ Group has a great reputation in the retail sector, and my experience and connections will help expand the firm’s strategic and tactical offerings while strengthening its existing knowledge base,” Shea said. “We’ll be doing some amazing things for our clients.”