A&P Names First Chief Administrative Officer

In the latest addition to the executive team recently named president and CEO Sam Martin is assembling, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., Inc. (A&P) has appointed Frederic F. “Jake” Brace to the new position of chief administrative officer (CAO), effective immediately. Brace will have responsibility for the grocer’s finance and accounting, real estate, and information systems departments, reporting to Martin.

“Over the last year, Jake Brace has provided critical insight to the company on a range of important issues as a member of our board of directors, noted Martin, adding that Brace’s “strategic and financial expertise and successful turnaround experience will be extremely valuable as we take the steps necessary to position the company for a strong future.”

The 52-year-old Brace has over a quarter-century of financial management, strategic planning and operational experience under his belt. During a 20-year career at United Airlines, he held a variety of executive management positions, most recently EVP and CFO from 2002 until his retirement in 2008. In that role, Brace helped to lead United’s successful turnaround. He additionally held a number of financial management positions at American Airlines.

Montvale, N.J.-based A&P operates 429 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia under the following banners: A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, SuperFresh and Food Basics.