Albertsons Names Christine Wilcox VP Comm, Public Affairs

Albertsons Cos. Inc. has appointed Christine Wilcox, current VP of corporate communications, to the role of VP, communications and public affairs, filling the vacancy created when Brian Dowling, who was VP of public affairs, retired from the company earlier this year.

Wilcox, an 18-year veteran of Albertsons who specifically has held both internal communications and public relations roles for the company during the past 10 years, will lead a newly integrated internal and external communications team and drive the company's communications strategy around its growth, trajectory, innovative practices and community involvement. As part of the new approach, Albertsons also has partnered with strategic communications firm The Glover Group.

An Idaho native, Wilcox graduated from Idaho State University with a bachelor's degree in English literature. She joined the company in 1998 as an editor, and held positions of increasing responsibility. Wilcox accepted a role as Southwest division communications and public affairs director with Albertsons LLC in 2006. She was named VP of communications and public affairs for Albertsons LLC in 2013, following the acquisition of stores from Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Supervalu.

Albertsons operates operates stores, manufacturers and distribution centers across 35 states and Washington, D.C., under 19 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs.