STELLARTON, NS, Jan. 12, 2017 /CNW/ – The Board of Directors of Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A) is very pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Medline as President & CEO of Empire Company Limited (Empire) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc. Mr. Medline will also serve on the Board of Directors of Empire.
“Michael Medline is an outstanding Canadian retailer who brings a passion for the customer experience and a proven ability to drive strong operating and financial performance within national organizations and across multiple brands,” said James Dickson, Chair of Empire. “After an extensive international search, the Board is unanimous in its determination that Michael is the right choice to create long-term value for all our stakeholders.”
Mr. Medline is a proven leader with a strong track record of success. Prior to joining Empire, he served for more than 15 years in a variety of senior retail leadership roles at Canadian Tire Corporation, most recently as that organization’s President & Chief Executive Officer. He is ideally positioned to lead Empire in serving the needs of its customers and to oversee the return of long-term, profitable growth to the company.
“I am proud to be joining Empire, a great retailer which has served Canadians for more than 109 years. I’m looking forward to working with our entire team to put together and execute on a strategy that will thrill our customers, build our brands, and excite our shareholders,” said Michael Medline.
Mr. Medline’s appointment is effective immediately. He will work closely with François Vimard and the experienced leadership team to understand the unique aspects of Empire’s business. He will also benefit from the extensive food retailing experience contained on the Empire Board.
“We thank François Vimard for his great work leading the company over the past several months and are extremely pleased that he will move into the position of Executive Vice President for Empire to play an active role in the transition,” added Mr. Dickson.
ABOUT EMPIRE
Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A) is a Canadian company headquartered in Stellarton, Nova Scotia. Empire’s key businesses are food retailing and related real estate. With approximately $24.4 billion in annualized sales and $8.8 billion in assets, Empire and its subsidiaries, franchisees and affiliates employ approximately 125,000 people.
ABOUT SOBEYS
Proudly Canadian, with headquarters in Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Sobeys has been serving the food shopping needs of Canadians since 1907. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A), Sobeys owns or franchises approximately 1,500 stores in all 10 provinces under retail banners that include Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, Foodland, FreshCo, Thrifty Foods, and Lawton’s Drug Stores as well as more than 350 retail fuel locations. Sobeys, its franchisees and affiliates employ more than 125,000 people. The company’s purpose is to help Canadians Eat Better, Feel Better and Do Better. More information on Sobeys Inc. can be found at www.sobeyscorporate.com.
SOURCE Empire Company Limited
