UPDATE 1-Supervalu realigns retail operations; COO to retire

* To realign retail operations

* COO to resign effective Aug. 14

* To create new health and wellness division

July 8 (Reuters) - Supervalu Inc (SVU.N) said two of its
executives, including President and Chief Operating Officer
Mike Jackson, would retire effective Aug. 14 as part of the
grocer's plans to realign its retail operations.

After Jackson's retirement, Craig Herkert -- who joined
Supervalu in May as chief executive officer -- will assume the
additional role of president.

The company also plans to combine its three retail regions
under Pete Van Helden after Kevin Tripp, president of the
company's Retail Midwest region, retires along with Jackson.

Van Helden currently serves as executive vice president,
Retail West.

"This is another critical step in the implementation of our
centrally-led merchandising model, designed to fully leverage
Supervalu's scale while preserving our local relevance,"
Herkert said in a statement.

The operator of about 2,500 Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's
and Save-A-Lot stores said it also plans to create a new health
and wellness division as part of its efforts to align its
pharmacy operations and its health and beauty segment.

Supervalu, which has more debt than many of its rivals due
to its purchase of more than 1,100 Albertsons stores in 2006,
has unveiled plans to close dozens of stores, cut expenses and
pay down debt.
(Reporting by Dhanya Skariachan in Bangalore; editing by
Matthew Lewis)