Content about Steve Burd

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Friday announced the retirement of Bruce Everette, EVP retail operations. Kelly Griffith, current president of merchandising, has been chosen to succeed Everette.

"We are deeply grateful to Bruce for his significant and lasting contribution to our company's success," stated Steve Burd, chairman and CEO. "He is the consummate operating executive whose results and people-oriented approach to the business leave an unmistakable imprint on who we are as a company."

Safeway on Thursday reported a 1.3% annual sales lift to $44.2 billion for its fiscal 2012. The year-end sales lift was driven by increased fuel sales and a same-store sales increase of 0.5% (excluding fuel), the grocer reported. 

After 20 years at the helm, Safeway CEO Steve Burd last week announced his retirement to spend more time with family and pursue interests in health care. He will be leaving behind a Safeway that's gaining market share with each passing quarter within a highly competitive sector. 

But he shouldn't go far. As a champion of health reform and consumer directed care, Burd will likely continue to be a pioneer in the healthcare space as companies begin to implement Obamacare in 2014.

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd on Monday signed a Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, at a ceremony at the company's corporate offices in Pleasanton, Calif., ESGR stated. 

"We are honored to reaffirm Safeway's support for our employees in the National Guard and Reserve," Burd said. "No other public service could be more important than providing support to our men and women in uniform."

WHAT IT MEANS AND WHY IT'S IMPORTANT — William Gibson, the science fiction author famous for being a key founder of the cyberpunk literary movement, once wrote, "The future is already here. It just hasn't been evenly distributed yet." That's especially true when considering the relatively slow adoption of mobile technology by retailers despite the buzz surrounding it and its enormous potential.

In 2006, Time magazine added a twist to its annual “Person of the Year” cover story, replacing the usual picture of some prominent individual with a picture of a glossy computer screen to show that social networking had made “you” the person of the year. Now, the idea that it’s all about “you” has percolated into retail. 


PLEASANTON, Calif. — Recent events, which have driven Wall Street analysts to speculate that Safeway is a buyout target, are not interrelated, Safeway chairman and CEO Steve Burd assured analysts Thursday morning during the grocer's first-quarter conference call.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Tuesday joined forces with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion on an initiative to develop and promote dietary guidance that links scientific research to the nutrition needs of consumers.

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Tuesday named Al Duran to the role of president of the company's Denver division. He replaces Scott Grimmett, who is leaving Safeway for an opportunity with a noncompeting food retailer, the company stated.

"Al's results-oriented leadership style and experience on both the retail and the marketing side of our business will serve him well in his new assignment," Safeway chairman, president and CEO Steve Burd said. "He is also a Colorado native and knows that market well."

PLEASANTON, Calif. — Safeway on Thursday announced the resignation of Don Keprta, president of its Chicago-area Dominick's Finer Foods division. 

"Don has contributed significantly to the Dominick's stores. His commitment and innovation helped the stores evolve to best serve the Chicagoland customers,” stated Steve Burd, Safeway chairman, president and CEO. “We are fortunate that he has produced a team that is prepared to continue to build on our current momentum.”

PLEASANTON, Calif. — The former chairman and CEO of Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream has joined Safeway's board of directors.

The appointment of T. Gary Rogers will expand the retailer's board of directors from nine to 10 members.

"Gary's vast experience as a supplier to the grocery industry, his business acumen and experience as a director will be great assets to the board," said Steve Burd, Safeway chairman, president and CEO. "We are pleased he is joining our board."