Just before presstime, the newly merged Albertsons and Safeway organization announced that Jim Perkins, president of Acme Markets, has been named chief operating officer of the company’s east region, part of the company’s New Albertsons Inc. (NAI) unit. Perkins will succeed Justin Dye, who has been given additional responsibility for the entire company as chief administrative office (CAO). Replacing Perkins as Acme president is Dan Croce, currently VP of marketing and merchandising for the 107 store Acme unit. All changes are effectively immediately.
Jim Perkins joined New Albertsons Inc. in 2013 after several years with Giant/Landover where he served as regional VP. He began his career with Albertsons as a clerk in 1982. While working his way through the retail ranks, Perkins served in roles of increasing responsibility which ultimately being named VP of operations for Albertsons Inc. In 2006, Perkins joined Albertsons LLC’s southern division as director of operations. He became president of the Acme Markets division in March 2013 when parent firm AB Acquisition/Cerberus acquired the chain as part of a mega-deal with Supervalu.
In his new role, Justin Dye will have overall responsibility for information technology, real estate and corporate development, as well as supply chain. He will also continue to oversee all aspects related to the integration of Safeway and Albertsons.
A former executive with Cerberus Capital Management, Dye played an integral role in the acquisition and formation of Albertsons LLC. He became the company’s chief strategy officer (CSO) in 2006 leading several functions including corporate development, strategic planning, real estate management as well as mergers and acquisitions. In 2013, he was named chief operating officer of New Albertson’s Inc. Prior to Cerberus, Dye served in leadership roles with GE, Commerx, Inc. and Arthur Andersen Consulting. He holds a BA with honors from DePauw University.
Dye replaces Lee Wilson, who had originally been named to the position of CAO. Wilson has elected to stay in his role as consultant and not go forward as an officer with the newly combined organization.
Dan Croce has been in the grocery business for 30 years, the last nine with Acme. He began his career with Super Fresh/A&P Food Markets. He joined Acme in 2005 as a district manager and subsequently assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including director of operations and VP- operations. In 2014, Croce was promoted to VP of marketing and merchandising.
“Dan has a passion for the business and a wealth of experience that make him a great fit for the leadership role at Acme Markets,” said Perkins. “That, combined with his exceptional track record of success, makes him well positioned to lead the division.”
Croce is a graduate of the University of Delaware where he earned a bachelor of science degree in agricultural business in 1991.
Robert Edwards, president and CEO of the new organizations said: “All three individuals are well-suited to their increased responsibilities. Justin’s pivotal role in the formation of Albertson’s LLC along with his demonstrated ability to lead a broad range of administrative and operational functions positions him well for this larger role in the combined organization. Likewise, Jim and Dan are the right people to lead our east region and Acme Markets. Both are results-oriented retail veterans with a passion for delivering the best products and services to our customers.”
