Albertsons Companies announced May 16 that Jim Perkins, currently the retailer’s Mid-Atlantic Division president and executive VP of the parent company, has been named to lead the SpinCo planning efforts for the Boise, ID retailer as it prepares to finalize its merger with Kroger.
Taking over for Perkins in the Mid-Atlantic will be Tom Lofland, current SVP-merchandising and marketing, who is being promoted to Mid-Atlantic Division president. At presstime, Albertsons did not name a successor to Lofland as the division’s chief merchant, but we have learned that an announcement will be made shortly.
Perkins and Lofland will transition to their new positions effective May 22.
In an internal memo, Albertsons COO Susan Morris said: “As we shared last year when we announced our proposed merger with Kroger, the two companies have agreed that Albertsons will establish ‘SpinCo’ if it is needed to obtain regulatory approval for the merger. As a reminder, SpinCo would be a standalone public company consisting of approximately 100 to 375 divested stores.
“Right now, the merger is in the early stages of FTC review, and it’s too early to know if SpinCo will be needed. However, we are required by our merger agreement to begin preparing SpinCo to make sure that it can be set up smoothly and quickly if it is needed.”
Perkins’ grocery career began in 1982 at Albertson’s where he was a key leader in several areas of the country including California, Florida, Texas and Oklahoma. In 2013, Perkins became the Acme Division president and he was instrumental in merging the Acme and Eastern Safeway divisions. He was also a key leader in the acquisition of Kings and Balduccis, growing the new Mid-Atlantic Division to 300 stores.
Perkins has been heavily involved in the community during his Mid-Atlantic tenure, leading the retailer’s community support through partnerships with organizations such as Philabundance, Bring Hope Home, American Cancer Society Making Strides, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and the Philadelphia Eagles Charitable Foundation.
Over the years he has also volunteered time with the Boy Scouts of America, has served as vice chairman on the Manna Food Bank, the board of the Brent Celek Foundation, Philabundance and PFMA and was on the Saint Joseph’s board of directors as well.
Perkins received his master of business administration from the University of Phoenix, Dallas, TX and a bachelor of science in business administration from the University of Phoenix, Livermore, CA.
In making the announcement, Morris added: “With Jim’s deep industry knowledge and leadership experience, he is well-positioned to lead the team that will ensure the SpinCo strategy and operations are ready if needed. Jim has been instrumental in growing our business in the Mid-Atlantic, including leading the successful acquisition of Kings and Balducci’s, and we appreciate the tremendous positive impact he has made on our team and our customers.”
Lofland’s grocery career began in 1990, when he joined Albertsons as the second employee to be hired into the company’s new accelerated management training program.
After completing the Albertson’s training program, Lofland became a grocery manager (equivalent to today’s assistant store director role) in Seminole, FL. Two years later, he was promoted to store director, and he ran three stores in Florida (in Altamonte, Pensacola and Longwood).
In the time that followed, Lofland worked as assistant grocery sales manager, grocery sales manager, corporate director of grocery, and division vice president of center store. His work took him from Florida to Texas, Tennessee, Idaho, Minnesota, Virginia and Chicago.
In 2015, Lofland joined Safeway’s Eastern Division as vice president of merchandising and marketing and helped lead the Safeway-Albertsons Companies post-merger transition. In August 2018, he was named president of the Eastern Division. He served in this role until September 2020 when the Eastern Division and Acme Division combined to form the Mid-Atlantic Division. During that time, he also integrated King’s and Balducci’s premium banners into the Mid-Atlantic portfolio.
Lofland earned a bachelor’s degree from Portland State University, and he also completed the University of Southern California’s Food Industry Management program. Prior to his work in the grocery industry, he served in the U.S. Army as a platoon leader, an infantry mortar platoon leader and a tank executive officer. During his military service, he was stationed in the U.S. and Germany, and he is a qualified paratrooper.
In making the Lofland announcement, Morris said, “Tom’s leadership experience and knowledge of the local market will help us accelerate our growth and continue to earn customers for life in the Mid-Atlantic.”