Meijer Prez Rick Keyes Becomes CEO

Rick Keyes, president of Meijer, will add CEO to his title on Jan. 1, 2017, coinciding with current CEO Hank Meijer's stepping down from his role to become executive chairman.

Keyes joined Meijer in 1989 as a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio. In October 2015, he became the seventh president since the company's founding in 1934, succeeding then-President J.K. Symancyk. His position prior to that was EVP of supply chain and manufacturing, a role which he held since 2006.

Traditionally, the role of Meijer president has been held by non-family members, with the title of CEO being held through the years by Fred Meijer and Hank Meijer, respectively. The decision to make an adjustment in titles is based on the company's desire to align roles more accurately with current responsibilities.

"We have witnessed Rick's deep understanding and appreciation of our culture and his passion for the people who make Meijer a great company," said Hank Meijer. "His accomplishments throughout a 27-year career, and his leadership as president for more than a year now, give us tremendous confidence in the future as he assumes a new title that better reflects his responsibilities."

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.