Robert Weis Steps Down as Chairman
Weis Markets is marking the end of an era with the news that Robert F. Weis – who has served as an employee, director and/or officer of the regional retailer that bears his name since 1946 and who was appointed its chairman in April 2002 – will not stand for re-election to its board of directors at the company's annual shareholders' meeting later this month.
The Weis Markets patriarch's decision to step down from the board "was motivated by his desire to focus on his health," according to a statement by the Sunbury, Pa.-based retailer. Accordingly, the company's board has not designated a substitute nominee for Robert Weis – who will become chairman emeritus in an advisory role – and has instead chosen to reduce the number of board members from six to five, effective at the annual meeting on April 23.
Jonathan H. Weis, currently vice chairman, president and CEO and son of Robert Weis, has been elected as the company's new board chairman, which will also be effective at the annual meeting, provided that he is elected as a director by the shareholders.
"We are deeply indebted to Robert for his 69 years of leadership and tireless dedication to our company," said Harold G. Graber, Jr., who serves as a director and secretary of the board.
For his part, Jonathan Weis noted that his father's legacy of "contributions to the growth and development of Weis Markets are far too many to detail," while adding that "throughout the years, I have relied on him for valuable advice, and he has always been available to discuss any detail or issue."
Founded in 1912, Weis Markets operates 163 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia.