NGA Taps Former Supervalu Exec Mike Jackson To Succeed Tom Zaucha as New Pres
Mike Jackson, former president and COO of Minneapolis-based Supervalu, has been selected as the National Grocer’s Association’s (NGA) new president and CEO, a position he will formally assume March 1, 2010. The trade association’s longtime leader, Tom Zaucha, will retire June 30, and during the leadership transition, will serve as president emeritus, in which capacity he will continue to provide counsel to the organization’s staff and membership on strategic public policy initiatives, membership development and critical business relationships.
“Mike possesses the industry knowledge, professional experience, leadership skills and passion to lead NGA to the next level of excellence in representing and serving the independent retailer and wholesaler,” said Chris Coborn, NGA’s chairman, and president and CEO of his namesake supermarket organization, Coborn’s, Inc. Having spent the majority of his career working directly with independent operators, Jackson “fervently believes in the unique role that we play in serving the consumer and is passionately committed to our future,” Coburn added, noting the future potential to take “the independent sector in the food industry to the next level.”
As Supervalu president and COO, Jackson was responsible for implementing the company’s strategic vision, as well as for overseeing the Retail East operations of Acme Markets, Farm Fresh, Shaw’s, Shopper’s and Save-A-Lot. Prior to joining Supervalu, Jackson was a store manager for Red Owl Foods. He began his Supervalu career in 1979 as a retail counselor at the company’s Green Bay division, and during his 30-year tenure, held a number of positions throughout the retailer/distributor in both supply chain services and retail operations.
Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, congratulated Jackson on his appointment. “Given his impressive industry background and expertise, [Jackson] will be a tremendous asset to the association representation for the industry. I look forward to working with Mike to continue to enhance the ways our associations work together to advance the issues, interests and concerns of our great industry that serves Americans and provides for families in cities and towns across the country,” she said.
“Mike possesses the industry knowledge, professional experience, leadership skills and passion to lead NGA to the next level of excellence in representing and serving the independent retailer and wholesaler,” said Chris Coborn, NGA’s chairman, and president and CEO of his namesake supermarket organization, Coborn’s, Inc. Having spent the majority of his career working directly with independent operators, Jackson “fervently believes in the unique role that we play in serving the consumer and is passionately committed to our future,” Coburn added, noting the future potential to take “the independent sector in the food industry to the next level.”
As Supervalu president and COO, Jackson was responsible for implementing the company’s strategic vision, as well as for overseeing the Retail East operations of Acme Markets, Farm Fresh, Shaw’s, Shopper’s and Save-A-Lot. Prior to joining Supervalu, Jackson was a store manager for Red Owl Foods. He began his Supervalu career in 1979 as a retail counselor at the company’s Green Bay division, and during his 30-year tenure, held a number of positions throughout the retailer/distributor in both supply chain services and retail operations.
Leslie Sarasin, president and CEO of FMI, congratulated Jackson on his appointment. “Given his impressive industry background and expertise, [Jackson] will be a tremendous asset to the association representation for the industry. I look forward to working with Mike to continue to enhance the ways our associations work together to advance the issues, interests and concerns of our great industry that serves Americans and provides for families in cities and towns across the country,” she said.