Safeway Portland President Steve Frisby Adds Seattle Division to Responsibilities

Steve Frisby, president of Safeway’s Portland Division, will assume added responsibility for the company's Seattle Division, replacing Greg Sparks, who is leaving to pursue another business opportunity.

"Taking on this dual role is well suited to Steve's extensive knowledge of our Northwest markets and his considerable leadership skills," said Safeway Chairman, president and CEO, Steve Burd. "His demonstrated ability to get results across a variety of competitive environments will serve Safeway's interest well in the region."

Frisby joined Safeway in 1972 and progressed through the retail ranks in three of the company's operating divisions. Following a brief assignment at corporate headquarters, he served as VP of retail operations in Northern California and later in the Portland Division. He was named president of Safeway's Texas Division in 2002 and Portland president in 2008.

Pleasanton, Calif.-based Safeway operates 1,678 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $43.6 billion in 2011.