Meijer Fills Top Ranks

Five Execs Change Positions, McCarthy Hired From Outside

By Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 1/31/2005 12:00:00 AM

Grand Rapids, Mich. — —

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Midwestern retailer Meijer, which operates 163 stores in five states, has appointed new top executives in merchandising — five promotions and one newcomer.

Terry Griffith, formerly divisional vice president of hardlines, was promoted to divisional vice president of merchandising. During his 35-year career with Meijer, Griffith helped develop the foods division.

Rob Gruen, currently group vice president of softlines, has also now adopted additional related responsibilities, becoming group vice president of softlines/home. Since joining the company in June 2004, he has led improving results in the softlines division. Prior to Meijer, Gruen was president and CEO of Saks Inc.'s Parisian division.

Tim Lesneski, formerly vice president of health and beauty care/pharmacy, has been promoted to group vice president of hardlines and drug store. A registered pharmacist, Lesneski has led the store's health and beauty care/pharmacy business for the past 19 years.

Rob Atteberry, formerly vice president of merchandising, has been promoted to vice president of hardlines. Prior to joining Meijer in the fall of 2004, he was vice president and general merchandise manager of home and home electronics at Kmart.

Nat Love, formerly director of merchandise planning and category management, has been promoted to vice president of the drug store. Reporting to Lesneski, Love is responsible for pricing, promotion and category management.

And Ruth McCarthy, formerly vice president and divisional merchandise manager for Babies “R” Us, has joined Meijer as vice president of home. She has experience with Sam's Club and Costco.