Heer Leaves The Food Emporium

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. said last week that Hans Heer, general manager of The Food Emporium gourmet food chain, has left the company. A native of Austria, Heer joined A&P in 2006. No reason was given for his departure.

“All of us at A&P thank Hans for his years of service to the company,” said the grocer’s president and CEO, Sam Martin. “He has been an integral leader of our gourmet business, and we wish him well in all of his future endeavors.”

According to the company, to ensure effective leadership of the banner as A&P moves ahead with its comprehensive turnaround plan, Dan Wodzenski, district manager of sales and operations for The Food Emporium, and the chain’s operations team are now reporting directly to A&P EVP of operations Paul Hertz. Additionally, The Food Emporium marketing & merchandising Team now reports directly to A&P EVP Tom O’Boyle, the grocer said.

Montvale, N.J.-based A&P operates 395 stores in eight states and the District of Columbia under the following banners: A&P, Waldbaum’s, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Fresh and Food Basics.