The word innovation has become almost meaningless in the grocery business where the handle is applied to seemingly every new brand line extension and me-too strategy introduced by a retailer or wholesaler. So what exactly would a grocery executive do if given the title of chief innovation officer? Pay attention to Supervalu because we may be about to find out.
On Tuesday, the grocery wholesaler and retail chain operator announced the appointment of longtime C&S executive James Weidenheimer to the newly created position of executive vice president, corporate development and chief innovation officer. Mr. Weidenheimer, who will report directly to Supervalu CEO Mark Gross, will work closely with the company's various units to develop new business and cross-channel merchandising and promotions initiatives, while driving integration of logistical solutions for its retail customers.
Mr. Weidenheimer served as senior vice president for corporate development at C&S Wholesalers between 2008 and Jan. 2016. Before that, he was CFO for the wholesale division of Rich Foods.
"Jim has a wealth of industry knowledge and extensive expertise in procurement, distribution and logistics and is able to draw on all this experience when considering how to best structure new offerings for a customer," said Mr. Gross, who became Supervalu's CEO in February. "I'm confident that he'll bring instant credibility to this role and innovation to our business. We believe there are significant opportunities to grow our business with existing customers and also to add new ones and Jim will be an excellent addition to help us achieve these goals."