Loblaw announces appointment of Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Vice President, Integration

Veteran grocers appointed to key positions created to drive efficiency, effectiveness and post-acquisition synergies

BRAMPTON, ON, Sept. 25, 2013 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX:L), today announced that veteran company executives Grant Froese and Mark Butler have been appointed to the newly created roles of chief administrative officer and executive vice president, integration, respectively.

Grant Froese assumes responsibility for Supply Chain, IT, and SAP implementation, as well as the division support functions of Control Brands, E-Commerce, Goods Not For Resale, Off-shore Procurement and Marketing. Grant has over 35 years of experience at Loblaw and most recently held the position of executive vice president, Discount Division.

"The appointment of Grant Froese as chief administrative officer brings important shared service functions including IT and Supply Chain under a single experienced executive as we enter the next key phase of building Loblaw's competitiveness and efficiency," said Vicente Trius, president, Loblaw Companies Limited. "Grant's combination of deep operational and merchandising experience is an ideal fit as we ramp up the IT roll-out to our store network and drive our efficiency agenda to become a more agile company."

Mark Butler will take on the critical responsibility for planning the integration of Shoppers Drug Mart, while ensuring it remains a vibrant, independent division. And subject to completion of the transaction following review by the Competition Bureau, Mark will lead the team charged with delivering synergies. Mark has 37 years with Loblaw, and most recently was executive vice president, Conventional Division.

"Mark Butler is a seasoned operator with deep expertise and relationships in the key areas we have targeted for synergies. We are committed to achieving the targets we have outlined and I am confident that Mark and his team will deliver on those objectives," continued Mr. Trius.

"With improved positioning and an enhanced customer offer, our Discount and Conventional divisions are well positioned with a strong internal leadership team ready to build on the foundation set by Grant and Mark," said Mr. Trius. "We are excited to announce the appointment of two experienced executives, Garry Senecal and Andrew Iacobucci, to lead our Conventional and Discount divisions, respectively."

Garry Senecal becomes executive vice president, Conventional Division, and continues to lead the Health and Wellness team, which includes Loblaw's current Pharmacy, Optical and Natural Value offerings. Garry brings over 22 years of Canadian and international store operations, merchandising, brands and marketing experience to the role.

Andrew Iacobucci becomes executive vice president, Discount Division. Andrew joined Loblaw in 2005 and brings a deep background in merchandising, operations and strategy to the role as a key leader of the Discount division since 2011.

Having successfully completed the design and build phases of the supply chain and IT infrastructure project, Peter McMahon will be leaving the company.

"As chief operating officer, Peter was instrumental in the revitalization of our supply chain and the development of the SAP platform and digital strategy," said Vicente Trius. "We thank Peter for his commitment and contribution to the company, and wish him the very best in his future endeavours."

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of George Weston Limited, is Canada's largest food retailer and a leading provider of drugstore, general merchandise and financial products and services. Loblaw is one of the largest private sector employers in Canada. With more than 1,000 corporate and franchised stores from coast to coast, Loblaw and its franchisees employ more than 134,000 full-time and part-time employees. Through its portfolio of store formats, Loblaw is committed to providing Canadians with a wide, growing and successful range of products and services to meet the everyday household demands of Canadian consumers. Loblaw is known for the quality, innovation and value of its food offering. It offers Canada's strongest control (private) label program, including the unique President's Choice^®, no name^® and Joe Fresh^® brands. In addition, the Company makes available to consumers President's Choice Financial^® services and offers the PC^® points and PC Plus™ loyalty program. 

SOURCE: Loblaw Companies Limited

Media Enquiries, contact:
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905-861-2437
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Investor Relations, Loblaw Companies
905-861-2153
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