Winn-Dixie Promotes Four Execs

Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. has reordered its executive leadership to guide its retail operations and development departments.

The chain has promoted Cheryl Forehand to regional v.p., to oversee the day-to-day and strategic operations of the 135 stores that make up the Jacksonville region.

Forehand, who Progressive Grocer honored as one of the Top Women in Grocery in 2007, has held various positions in the company, among them director of special projects, division manager, and most recently v.p. of operations.

Shawn Sloan is now v.p. of operations, said Winn-Dixie. He will bolster the company's inventory management programs, and will continue to improve its hurricane preparedness program, a task he has already been tacking in his previous position as director of maintenance and energy management.

Rich Cline has joined Winn-Dixie as v.p. of operations support, leading retail support functions and developing cross-functional operations strategies. Cline began his career in grocery retail at Jewel-Osco, later moving to Albertsons. His most recent position was v.p., store operations for Pamida in Omaha.

Forehand, Sloan, and Cline all report to s.v.p. of retail operations Frank Eckstein.

Additionally, Winn-Dixie named Mike Istre v.p., maintenance, energy, and property management. In this position, he will oversee the grocer's energy and maintenance programs, as well as property and asset management. Istre has held positions throughout the company, including v.p. of operations, regional v.p., and division president. He reports to group v.p. of development Phil Pichulo.

Jacksonville, Fla.-based Winn-Dixie Stores operates 521 stores, including more than 400 in-store pharmacies, in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi.