Haugarth to Lead Supervalu’s Independent Business

Janel Haugarth will lead Supervalu Inc.’s independent business organization, replacing Leon Bergmann, who is leaving the company Oct. 19.

Haugarth (pictured at left), a 35-year veteran of the company, is returning to the independent business organization, where she brings knowledge and leadership in serving the needs of the more than 2,000 independent grocery retailers that Supervalu supplies nationally. In addition, Haugarth will continue in her role leading Supervalu’s business optimization efforts.

Wayne Sales, Supervalu president, CEO and chairman, said Haugarth brings “an immediate wealth of experience, strong retailer relationships and a tremendous passion for our independent business, having spent the majority of her career in this area.”

Haugarth led the Minneapolis-based company’s supply chain services division from 2006-11 and served as the executive VP of merchandising and logistics from 2011-12.

Bergmann joined Supervalu in January 2011 as group VP of independent sales, marketing and merchandising and was named president of the organization in July of that year. “We thank Leon for his contributions and we wish him well,” Sales said.