Podany Resigns at ShopKo

William J. Podany has resigned as president and ceo of ShopKo Stores Inc. (Green Bay, Wis.) for what he called “personal reasons.” He had been head of ShopKo since 1994.

Board member Jeffrey Girard has been named interim ceo and has also accepted the permanent position of vice chairman, finance and administration. Chairman Jack Eugster said the board will commence a search for a new ceo as soon as possible.

Girard, a 20-year retail veteran, has been a director of the company since October 1991. He began his career with Supermarkets General Corp. (Carteret, N.J. — now Pathmark Inc.) in 1973, eventually becoming executive vp, cfo and chief administrative officer from 1989 to 1990. From 1990 to 97, he was with Supervalu Inc. (Eden Prairie, Minn.), operator of 1200 stores under the Shoppers Food Warehouse, Cub Foods, Shop 'n Save, bigg's, Save-A-Lot, Farm Fresh, Scott's Foods and Hornbachers nameplates.

“Throughout the past 18 months,” said Eugster, “the board has been actively involved in helping ShopKo achieve three key goals: reduce debt, improve return on assets and establish a profitable, growth-oriented model at Pamida [the retailer's discount store operation in rural communities]. The board believes this is an appropriate time to seek the leadership ShopKo will need to pursue its next stage of growth.” Eugster was chairman, president and ceo Musicland Stores Corp. (Minnetonka, Minn.) from 1980 until his retirement in 2001.