Kmart Cleans House

Financially ailing Kmart Corp. (Troy, Mich.) announced Friday it had streamlined its senior-level management team and realigned its field organization into two geographic divisions, effective immediately. As a result, the bankrupt retailer eliminated 12 senior-level positions based at its Kmart Resource Center headquarters in Troy.

The operational areas affected include logistics, real estate and merchandising. “This new realignment will bring senior management closer to the business, reduce overhead and cut costs,” said James Adamson, Kmart chairman and ceo. “Additionally, it will streamline our field operations and allow for more decision-making to occur closer to the customer at the regional, district and store levels.”

Dave Marsico has been named division president, eastern division, and Doug Meissner has been named division president, western division. The company previously operated five geographic divisions. Each of the new division teams will support more than 900 stores. Marsico joined Kmart in 1972 and has served in a variety of field and executive positions, including most recently as senior vp sales and advertising. Meissner, a 29-year Kmart veteran, was most recently division president, northeast.

Additionally, Paul Hueber has been named senior vp, operations administration. Hueber is responsible for general store operating policy, administration and specialty operations such as restaurants, real estate and construction. He joined Kmart in 1970 and was previously division president, international and specialty operations.

As a result of streamlining senior management, the following individuals are no longer with the company: Steve Falcon, regional vp, SuperCenters; John Foster, senior vp, real estate management; Michael Frank, senior vp, general merchandise manager, food and consumables; Mark Glover, vp, replenishment; Joe Hofmeister, divisional vp, merchandising celebration; Mike Jardina, divisional president, SuperCenters; Greg Keith, divisional vp, corporate purchasing; Enio Montini, senior vp and general merchandise manager, drug store; Rose Reza, senior vp, multi-cultural merchandising; Paul Springthorpe, senior vp, distribution centers; Jeff Stark, vp, pricing; and William Wulfers, division president, southeast.

Kmart, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year, operates more than 2100 Kmart and Kmart SuperCenter outlets.