WALKER, Mich. — Meijer Inc. announced Friday that the company soon will have its first chief executive with a name other than Meijer.
Effective Jan. 1, 2017, Meijer President Rick Keyes will add the title of CEO. The announcement was made Friday by Hank Meijer, who has held the role of CEO and will now serve as executive chairman of the Meijer board.
“We have witnessed Rick’s deep understanding and appreciation of our culture and his passion for the people who make Meijer a great company,” said Hank Meijer. “His accomplishments throughout a 27-year career – and his leadership as president for more than a year now – give us tremendous confidence in the future as he assumes a new title that better reflects his responsibilities.”
Traditionally the role of Meijer president has been held by a non-family member, with the title of chief executive officer through the years being held by Fred Meijer and Hank Meijer respectively. The decision to make an adjustment in titles was based on the company’s desire to align the roles more accurately with current responsibilities.
Meijer has been privately owned and family operated since it was founded in 1934. Meijer said Hank Meijer will work closely with CEO Rick Keyes in developing and executing strategies consistent with the values at the heart of the team.
Doug Meijer and Mark Meijer also will stay actively involved through their roles as directors of Meijer Inc.
All new roles will become effective Jan. 1, 2017.
Meijer is a Grand Rapids, Mich.-based retailer that operates 230 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin. A privately-owned and family- operated company since 1934, Meijer pioneered the “one-stop shopping” concept and has evolved through the years to include expanded fresh produce and meat departments as well as pharmacies, comprehensive apparel departments, garden centers and electronics offerings.
