ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳

Kmart Corporation Streamlines Senior Management And Reorganizes Field Divisions

Kmart Corporation (NYSE: KM) today announced it has streamlined its senior-level management team and realigned its field organization into two geographic divisions, effective immediately.

As a result, the Company has eliminated a number of senior level positions based at its Kmart Resource Center headquarters in Troy, Mich. The operational areas affected include logistics, real estate and merchandising.

"This new realignment will bring senior management closer to the business, reduce overhead and cut costs," said James Adamson, Kmart Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "Additionally, it will streamline our field operations and allow for more decision-making to occur closer to the customer at the regional, district and store levels."

Dave Marsico has been named Division President, Eastern Division. Doug Meissner has been named Division President, Western Division. The Company previously operated with five geographic divisions. Each of the new division teams will support more than 900 stores. Marsico joined Kmart in 1972 and has served in a variety of field and executive positions, including most recently as Senior Vice President Sales and Advertising. Meissner, a 29-year Kmart veteran, was most recently Division President, Northeast.

Additionally, Paul Hueber has been named Senior Vice President, Operations Administration. In this position Hueber will be responsible for general store operating policy, administration, specialty operations within the store such as restaurants, real estate and construction. Hueber joined Kmart in 1970 and was previously Division President, International & Specialty Operations. All three positions will report to Julian Day, Kmart President and Chief Operating Officer.

"As long-time Kmart operations veterans, Dave, Doug and Paul are especially qualified to lead our store operations as we revitalize our stores, focus on the customer and continue to build the Kmart brand," said Day.

As a result of streamlining senior management, the following individuals are no longer with the company: Steve Falcon, Regional Vice President, SuperCenters; John Foster, Senior Vice President, Real Estate Management; Michael Frank, Senior Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Food and Consumables; Mark Glover, Vice President, Replenishment; Joe Hofmeister, Divisional Vice President, Merchandising Celebration; Mike Jardina, Divisional President, SuperCenters; Greg Keith, Divisional Vice President, Corporate Purchasing; Enio Montini, Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager, Drug Store; Rose Reza, Senior Vice President, Multi-Cultural Merchandising; Paul Springthorpe, Senior Vice President, Distribution Centers; Jeff Stark, Vice President, Pricing and William Wulfers, Division President Southeast. In most of these positions, the job responsibilities will be integrated into or absorbed by others within the company.

Additionally, Kmart has promoted Anne Marie Kehoe to Vice President, General Merchandise Manager, Drug Store, effective immediately. Kehoe joined Kmart in 1995 as a Category Manager in skincare, bath and fragrance. She most recently served as Divisional Vice President, Cosmetics. Kehoe reports directly to Cecil Kearse, Kmart Executive Vice President, Merchandising.

"We're pleased to recognize Anne Marie's experience and contributions. She is a seasoned retail veteran with a comprehensive merchandising background," said Kearse.

Kmart Corporation is a $37 billion company that serves America with more than 2,100 Kmart and Kmart SuperCenter retail outlets and through its e-commerce shopping site, .

MAKE YOUR OPINION COUNT - Click Here

SOURCE: Kmart Corporation

Contact: Kmart Media Relations, +1-248-463-1021

Website:








© ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳