Safeway Marketing Chief Quits

Brian Cornell, Exec VP and Chief Marketing Officer of Safeway is leaving to look for a top role elsewhere. During his three year tenure, Cornell revamped market research and insight functions at the $40.5bn grocery chain.

Cornell will go on 1 June 'to actively pursue a search for the top leadership role at another company,' according to a press release issued by the company.

Chairman, President and CEO Steve Burd has credited Cornell with reorganising Safeway's centralised marketing, customer insight and market research, along with its merchandising and supply chain functions. Until a successor is found, the marketing division will report directly to Burd.

Cornell joined Safeway in April 2004 with more than 20 years' experience in consumer products marketing. He was previously President of Pepsi Cola North America's Food Services Division and SVP of Sales. Prior to this, Cornell was Regional President of PepsiCo Beverages International's European business, with the additional responsibility as SVP Non Carb Beverage Marketing. He joined PepsiCo when it acquired Tropicana from the Seagram Company in 1998. An alumnus of UCLA and its Graduate School of Management, Cornell began his career with the Gallo Wine Company in 1981.

During Cornell's tenure with Safeway, he has overhauled marketing and shifted the chain's traditional price/item advertising to a brand-focused image; initially with the Spring 2005 launch of the 'Ingredients for Life' TV campaign.

Cornell commented: 'I depart Safeway as a huge fan of the brand and the organisation. While I am ready to pursue the next step in my career, I believe that Safeway is very well positioned to continue to thrive and grow for years to come.'

Safeway, which operates 1,755 stores in the US and Canada, is online at www.safeway.com .

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.