Richard Gunn, senior VP-merchandising and marketing for Weis Markets has left the Sunbury, PA-based regional chain, effective immediately to pursue other interests. Gunn has served as Weis’ chief merchant since 2015 when he joined the company as senior VP from K-VA-T (Food City), Abingdon, VA.
Assuming the chief merchant’s position on an interim basis is Bob Gleeson, currently VP-perishables. Gleeson joined Weis in July of 2019 and has had a long career in the industry beginning with Shoppers in 1984 as a part-time grocery associate. During his 29-year career with Shoppers, which is based in Lanham, MD, he worked in increasingly senior leadership positions including VP-center store, senior-VP-merchandising and president of the discount retailer which is now owned by UNFI. Gleeson also worked closely with COO Kurt Schertle during his Shoppers career.
The company also announced other changes related to Gleeson’s newly elevated position. Industry veteran Steve Davis, formerly director of non-edibles/HBC/GM, now becomes director of edible grocery, dairy and frozen. John Evans will now oversee all of Weis’ HBC/GM and non-foods functions in addition to maintaining his role heading up private brands. Both Davis and Evans will continue to report to Brian Bosworth, senior director of non-perishable merchandising.
Weis also announced one other key executive change. Michael Lockard has been named the retailer’s new CFO, replacing Scott Frost who will retire on March 12. Lockard, a long-time financial retail executive, will become the company’s senior VP-chief financial officer and treasurer.
As Weis Markets’ CFO, Lockard will oversee the day-to-day management of the company’s accounting, auditing and financial functions. He will report to Jonathan Weis, Weis’ chairman and CEO. Lockard has more than 25 years of senior-level executive experience in retail, supermarket and supply chain companies, overseeing strategic planning, finance and accounting, information technology and global shared services. Previous industry jobs include stints at K-VA-T and Walmart.
“Michael Lockard is a seasoned financial professional with extensive experience in retail, particularly food retail. During his retail career, he has helped drive efficiencies and managed large, multi-discipline financial teams that have been a strong business partner to his respective companies’ merchant, supply chain and store teams. We are pleased to welcome him to our company and look forward to working with him,” said Weis. “We are also grateful to Scott Frost, our retiring CFO, and congratulate him on a successful 42-year career with our company. As CFO, he led our financial unit and developed a capable team that will position us for continued success going forward. We wish Scott all the best in his retirement.”