Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. (Jacksonville, Fla.) has hired Tom Robbins as senior vp, merchandising. Robbins is a 37-year veteran of the supermarket industry and has working for The Kroger Co., Price Chopper Supermarkets, The Great A&P Tea Co., Thriftway Food & Drug and Delchamps, Inc. He will report directly to president and ceo Peter Lynch.
“Tom's extensive industry experience, proven leadership, and ability to drive profitable sales will be a strong asset to our team, particularly during our reorganization,” said Lynch. “A strong and well-seasoned merchant leading Winn-Dixie's turnaround plan is critical as we work our way through Chapter 11. We are fortunate to have Tom on our team.”
In February, Winn-Dixie and 23 of its U.S. subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions for reorganization under Chapter 11.
Throughout his career, Robbins has held top management positions in sales and merchandising, He most recently served as executive vp, sales and marketing for Price Chopper, where he was responsible for all functions of the sales department, merchandising, marketing, procurement, consumer affairs and advertising, including being responsible for the departments' revenue. He initiated the development of sales and marketing programs, resulting in five consecutive years of record sales growth.
He began his retail career in 1967 at The Kroger Co., progressing through the company in various positions, including store manager and associate grocery sales manager. He then went to work for The Great A&P Tea Co., ending up as group vp, merchandising for the Midwest division. Robbins left A&P to work for Thriftway Food & Drug for 14 years, serving ultimately as senior vp, store operations/administrative departments.
Later at Delchamps, as senior vp, sales and marketing, he played a significant role in the turnaround of this regional supermarket chain, helping reposition Delchamps as a profitable, respected and growing company.
Dick Judd, who has been serving for nearly two years as Winn-Dixie’s senior vp, supply chain and merchandising, will now focus completely on supply chain management, which includes logistics, distribution and manufacturing.