SUPERVALU Announces New Leadership Assignments at Shaw's & Jewel-Osco

SUPERVALU INC. (NYSE:SVU), the third-largest grocery retailer in the United States, announced today that Carl Jablonski, president of the company’s Shaw’s banner in New England, has decided to retire after 38 years with the company. Larry Wahlstrom, president of the company’s Jewel-Osco banner in Chicago, will replace Jablonski as president of Shaw’s. Wahlstrom will be succeeded by Keith Nielsen, Jewel-Osco’s senior vice president of operations. "Carl Jablonski has had a remarkable career that has included a number of significant contributions to our ongoing success. On behalf of SUPERVALU, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for Carl’s years of service and wish him well in his retirement,” Jeff Noddle, SUPERVALU chairman and CEO, said. "I am pleased that Carl will be handing the reins to Larry Wahlstrom, another seasoned executive with a solid track record of delivering results through leadership assignments that have spanned multiple markets—including New England,” Noddle added. "Larry is a charismatic leader who achieves results through engaging associates and maintaining a sharp focus on delivering the very best customer experience. I am confident that Larry will continue to build on the rich Shaw’s tradition, while bringing new innovative approaches to the competitive New England marketplace.” Wahlstrom will move to Shaw’s immediately to transition responsibilities from Jablonski, who will stay with the company through the end of the month. Jablonski will be available through the end of the year to assist with the transition. Nielsen, a 40-year veteran of the company, will step into the president role at Jewel-Osco this week. "As Jewel-Osco’s chief operator for several years, Keith Nielsen has played a pivotal role in the company’s continued success,” Noddle said. "Keith is a strong leader with a deep understanding of retail grocery operations and strong ties to the Chicago marketplace. Given his track record, I am certain that Jewel-Osco will continue to be the premier Chicagoland grocer.” Wahlstrom is a 37-year veteran of the company with a wide range of experience in both food and drug store operations. He began his career at Osco Drug as a store associate in Green Bay, Wis., before rising through the ranks in a number of leadership roles including store director, vice president of the Osco New England division, and president of one of the Albertsons food divisions. He also held a number of corporate leadership assignments for Albertsons before becoming president of Jewel-Osco in 2004. Nielsen has served as Jewel-Osco’s senior vice president of operations for the past eight years. Prior to his most recent assignment, Nielsen held a variety of leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including store director, district manager, and area vice president. A Chicago native, Nielsen is very active in the community and sits on the board of the Northern Illinois Food Bank. About SUPERVALU SUPERVALU INC. is one of the largest companies in the United States grocery channel with annual sales of approximately $40 billion. SUPERVALU holds leading market share positions across the U.S. with its approximately 2,500 retail grocery locations. Through SUPERVALU's nationwide supply chain network, the company provides distribution and related logistics support services to more than 5,000 grocery retail endpoints across the country. SUPERVALU currently has approximately 190,000 employees. For more information about SUPERVALU visit www.supervalu.com.