Paul Gossett to Lead Jewel-Osco

Paul Gossett, a 41-year Albertsons Cos. veteran, has been selected as the next president of Jewel-Osco to succeed the late Doug Cygan.

Gossett, 57, takes over as president of the Chicago-area supermarket chain after leading Shaw’s and Star Market in the Boston area.

Gossett takes over for Cygan, who spent his entire career with Jewel-Osco up until his death July 5.

Gossett’s retail career began when he was hired by Albertsons, parent company of Jewel-Osco, in 1977. Most recently serving as president of the New England-based Shaw’s and Star Market chain, he also served as vice president of marketing for Philadelphia-based Acme Markets, held several operational roles for Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn-Dixie, and was senior director of merchandising Nash Finch Co., now part of SpartanNash.

“I’m honored and thankful to have the opportunity to work with the 31,000 Jewel-Osco associates,” said Gossett, who was introduced to employees while visiting a suburban Chicago Jewel store this week, according to the Chicago Tribune. “This company has a rich history with loyal customers and I couldn’t be more proud to be part of the team.”

Gossett currently serves on the Philanthropic Board of Advisors for the Boston Children’s Hospital Trust and the board of the Greater Boston Food Bank and the Massachusetts Food Association.

Founded in 1899, Itasca, Ill.-based Jewel-Osco operates 187 stores in Illinois, Iowa and Indiana. Jewel-Osco is owned by Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Cos., which ranked third on Progressive Grocer’s 2018 Super 50 listing of top grocers.