Dear Valued Supplier,
In our commitment to provide exceptional quality and assortment of products and to deliver a world-class customer experience, the department of Merchandising Fresh, formerly under one senior leader, has been realigned into two separate teams - ‘Merchandising, Produce’ and ‘Merchandising, Meat, Seafood, Deli & Bakery’. To lead these teams we will appoint two vice presidents. We believe that this organizational design will maximize our ability drive results and deliver on the strategic plan.
I am pleased to welcome Yan Branco to Sobeys as the Vice President, Produce Merchandising. He will join us on October 22 and report directly to me.
Yan brings over 25 years of experience in Produce retail, starting in stores as a clerk before becoming a Produce Manager. Yan grew his career through various roles in quality assurance, procurement and vendor development in Quebec, Atlantic Canada and in California. He was then promoted to Senior Director, Produce International across the United States, Canada, Europe and South America.
Todd O’Connell, Director Merchandising National, Produce & Floral will report to Yan. Until a decision is made on the VP, Merchandising Meat, Seafood, Deli & Bakery, these teams will continue to report to Mike Venton on an interim basis.
Yan’s years of experience and knowledge in produce, will support the evolution and advancement of our merchandising strategy as we will thrill our customers with quality, selection and an exceptional shopping experience.
We are looking forward to having him join the organization.
Pierre St-Laurent
