Consumer >> CEO Interviews >> December 13, 2004
DENNIS EIDSON joined Spartan Stores, Inc., in March 2003 as Executive
Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising. He is a graduate of
Michigan State University's Food Management program and has spent his
entire career working in the Michigan and Ohio region's grocery
industry. Prior to joining Spartan, Mr. Eidson was President and Chief
Executive Officer of the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company's (A&P)
Midwest region, and Assistant General Manager for Nash Finch, Inc.'s
Michigan operations. He was instrumental in implementing successful and
disciplined category management principals for A&P's Farmer Jack retail
grocery operations. Profile
DAVE M. STAPLES, Executive Vice President of Spartan Stores, Inc.,
oversees finance, real estate and information technology. Prior to
joining Spartan, he spent four years at the Detroit, Michigan-based
Kmart Corporation Before his tenure with Kmart, Mr. Staples served 11
years in the audit and business advisory practice of Arthur Andersen
LLP's Detroit office. During his time at Arthur Andersen, he functioned
as a consultant as well as a business advisor to his clients. Profile
CRAIG STURKEN was named President and Chief Executive Officer of Spartan
Stores, Inc., in March 2003 and elected Chairman of the Board of
Directors in August 2003. He brings more than 40 years of grocery retail
and distribution industry experience to Spartan Stores, including 10
years as Chief Executive Officer of the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea
Company's Atlantic and Midwest regions. Mr. Sturken has a wealth of
experience in the supermarket industry, with valuable knowledge and
skills in both wholesale and retail operations. He spent more than eight
years as Chief Executive Officer of A&P's Midwest region, headquartered
in Detroit, Michigan, successfully managing the Farmer Jack, Food
Emporium and Kohl's supermarket banners. Profile
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Mr. Sturken (Chairman, President & CEO): Spartan, traditionally, for
many years was a grocery co-op. And
