SUNBURY, Pa., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Weis Markets, Inc. (NYSE: WMK)
today said it has named David J. Hepfinger, 50, as the Company's new President
and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding former CEO Norman S. Rich, who
has retired.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080220/NEW084 )
Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Hepfinger was the Company's President and Chief
Operating Officer (COO). As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr.
Hepfinger is a member of the Company's Executive Committee and he oversees all
aspects of the Company's operations. He will report to Weis Markets' Chairman
Robert F. Weis and Vice Chairman Jonathan Weis.
"This has been a carefully planned succession," said Jonathan H. Weis, Weis
Markets' Vice Chairman. "Since joining our company in February, Dave has had
an enormous impact on our company. He is a highly respected executive with
broad-based operational experience and he excels at developing and managing a
growing and diverse organization in a fast-moving retail environment. In the
coming years, he will oversee the development and execution of our strategic
growth and go-to-market initiatives. We look forward to working with him in
his new role."
"For 96 years, Weis Markets' has competed and succeeded in one of the most
competitive markets in America," said Mr. Hepfinger, Weis Markets President
and CEO. "Weis Markets is well-positioned for short-term and long-term
growth. We will continue to focus on maximizing our market place advantages,
investing in our organization and the technologies that help improve
efficiencies and deliver a better shopping experience."
"Norm Rich has contributed much to our company during his 44-year career,"
said Jonathan Weis. "He has served our company loyally and with distinction,
particularly during the past 14 years when he served as our company president
and subsequently as CEO. We are truly grateful for his many achievements and
wish him only the best in the years ahead."
"I have been honored to work with a lot of great people during my career and
leave Weis Markets' knowing that it is well-positioned for a future of growth
and continued success," said Norman S. Rich, retired Weis Markets' CEO. "It
has been a great ride and I leave Weis Markets in capable hands."
Prior to joining Weis Markets in March, Mr. Hepfinger was Senior Vice
President of Retailing and Administration at Price Chopper, a 116 store
supermarket company based in Rotterdam, New York. In this position, he
oversaw Price Chopper's warehouse, distribution, procurement and store
operations.
Mr. Hepfinger started his food retailing career as a night dairy clerk while
in high school. During his 32 year career with Price Chopper, he worked as
Vice President of Merchandising, Vice President of Retailing Operations and
Regional Vice President. Earlier in his career, he worked as a District
Manager and Store Manager.
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets currently operates 155 stores in five states:
Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. It also owns
SuperPetz, a pet supply superstore chain with 28 locations in ten states.
SOURCE Weis Markets, Inc.
Dennis V. Curtin of Weis Markets, Inc., +1-570-847-3636,
Dcurtin@weismarkets.com
