Calgary Co-op Appoints New Chief Executive Officer

CALGARY , Sept. 25 /CNW/ - The Board of Directors of Calgary Co-operative Association Limited today announced the appointment of Mr. Deane Collinson as chief executive officer. Mr. Collinson will assume his responsibilities as CEO on October 20, 2009 .

"In selecting Mr. Collinson as CEO of Calgary Co-op, the board of directors recognized that he possesses the operational, human relations and other skills necessary to lead Calgary Co-op through the challenges of the current economy and continuing pressures to the business from increasing retail competitors in the marketplace," says Stuart Cantrill, board chair. "We are excited that Mr. Collinson will be carrying on our tradition of providing exceptional products and services to our members and customers, and continue to focus on our vision of being the premier shopping destination in the communities we serve."

Mr. Collinson comes to Calgary Co-op from Cadillac Fairview Corporation in Toronto where he held the position of executive vice president of operations. Prior to that, he was employed at Loblaw Companies Limited for over 23 years, serving as executive vice president from 1999 to 2007, which included managing Loblaws Supermarkets Limited.

Mr. Collinson will replace Mr. Ken McCullough , who advised the board that he would be resigning from his position as CEO of Calgary Co-op as of September 30 to accept the position of vice president, retail division, at Federated Co-operatives in Saskatoon. Mr. McCullough served as CEO of Calgary Co-op since 2004. Calgary Co-operative Association Limited Media Release: CEO Appointment September 25, 2009 .

In the interim, Mr. Wilf Harms , vice president of facilities, development and real estate for Calgary Co-op will serve as acting CEO.

Locally owned and operated, Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America with 435,000 members, over 4,000 employees, assets of $374 million and sales of $1.06 billion at its 2008 year end. In addition to its head office in Calgary , Alberta, Calgary Co-op operates 22 retail shopping centres, 27 gas bars, 17 liquor stores and seven travel agencies in Calgary , Airdrie, Okotoks and Strathmore, Alberta, as well as a subsidiary, Calgary Co-op Home Health Care Limited, in Calgary , Alberta.

For further information: Stuart Cantrill, Board Chair, Calgary Co-operative Association Limited, Telephone: [phone]; Donna Burn, Vice President, Member and Public Relations, Telephone: [phone], ext. 6258