Supervalu business optimization head assumes reins of wholesale business, too

 MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday morning announced it has named Janel Haugarth to lead its independent business organization, replacing Leon Bergmann, who has decided to leave the company. 

“We thank Leon for his contributions, and we wish him well,” stated Wayne Sales, Supervalu president, CEO and chairman. “Fortunately, Janel is able to step right into the position and bring an immediate wealth of experience, strong retailer relationships and a tremendous passion for our independent business, having spent the majority of her career in this area. We are confident in her ability and the skills she brings to this role during this critical time in our company’s turnaround.”

Haugarth is a 35-year veteran of the company and returns to the independent business organization, where she brings knowledge and leadership in serving the needs of the more than 2,000 independent grocery retailers that Supervalu supplies nationwide. In addition, Haugarth will continue in her role leading Supervalu's business optimization efforts. Her appointment as president of independent business and business optimization is effective immediately.

Bergmann joined the company in January 2011 as group VP independent sales, marketing and merchandising and was named president of the organization in July of that year. Bergmann's last day is Oct. 19.