Supervalu transitions EVP retail operations role to former Meijer executive
MINNEAPOLIS — Supervalu on Thursday announced that Pete Van Helden, EVP retail operations, will be leaving the company this spring. Taking his place will be Kevin Holt.
"This was a mutually beneficial decision that comes at the right time for both Supervalu and Van Helden, as the company continues to implement its business transformation strategy and as Van Helden moves on to opportunities that will better utilize his strengths," the company stated in a release.
“Pete has been a passionate leader of our retail businesses for many years, beginning his career with Albertsons in 1978,” stated Craig Herkert, Supervalu president and CEO. “We will miss his active voice in our company and wish him all the best as he takes on new challenges outside of Supervalu.”
Van Helden’s departure leads to the appointment of Holt, 53, a former Meijer executive who has experience leading teams in similar turnaround environments. Holt will join Supervalu as EVP retail operations in late May, reporting to Herkert, and will work closely with Van Helden to ensure a smooth transition.
During Holt's 13-year career with Meijer, he helped lead that grocer's information technology initiatives and strategic planning. After leaving Meijer as EVP retail operations in 2007, Holt spent three years with Sears Holding Co., where he went on to become EVP and president of stores. He most recently served as president of Hudsonville Ice Cream and Kilwin’s Quality Confections in Michigan.
“Kevin is a seasoned retail executive who understands the importance of combining enterprise leverage, merchandising and passionate customer-focused execution. He has broad experience improving company performance and knows how to build strong retail teams,” Herkert said. “We believe he has the right blend of experience to help Supervalu deliver on the promise of its business transformation, which involves investing in fair prices and delivering a differentiated hyperlocal retail experience.”