Albertsons appoints Jewel-Osco exec as EVP retail operations

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. on Monday today appointed Jewel-Osco Division President Mike Withers as its EVP, retail operations. Withers will lead the company's East Region operations, while current EVP, Retail Operations Susan Morris will lead the West Region. Jim Perkins, EVP, retail operations Special Projects, is focused on targeted initiatives to accelerate growth. All three executives will continue to report to Wayne Denningham, president and COO.

"Mike is an exceptional leader who understands our business and market areas from coast to coast," said Denningham, president and COO of Albertsons. "Throughout his career, Mike has worked closely with many members of our current leadership team, and his management experience and operations expertise will help all of our divisions run really great stores."

Withers began his career with Albertsons in 1976 in Boise. Like many of the company's executives, he started as a courtesy clerk and gradually worked his way up until he was running his own store. He served as district manager in both Washington and Florida and was eventually promoted to Big Sky Division President with responsibilities for store operations in Montana and North Dakota, a role he also held in both the Florida and Portland divisions. Since 2006, Withers has served as Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising for the Florida and Southern divisions, and President of the Southern and Jewel-Osco divisions.