Kmart Reorganizes Store Operations

Kmart Corporation today announced a new store operations and field organizational structure with corresponding executive changes, effective immediately.

Kmart's store operations and field organization is being structured into five separate operating divisions including four geographic areas -- West, Southeast, Northeast and International -- and a separate Super Centers division. The company previously operated with six geographical field divisions.

Leading this new structure will be Gregg Treadway who has been promoted to exec vp, store operations, reporting directly to Kmart ceo Chuck Conaway.Treadway will have the responsibility for the operations of all five divisions.

"Kmart is committed to addressing our operational challenges in a thoughtful, yet aggressive, manner. This new organization will provide a clear, focused direction and strong leadership for our store teams,'' said Conaway. "Gregg Treadway brings 26 years of retail experience to this new position and I have the utmost confidence in Gregg's ability to lead our store operations team at this critical time.''

Treadway joined Kmart in 2001 as senior vp, Midwest division. Prior to joining Kmart he was vp, store operations for Dollar General. He also held senior level operations and field management positions with Autozone, Toys "R" Us and Wal-Mart Stores.

Reporting to Treadway will be five division presidents who will have total accountability for the financial results and strategic direction of their respective divisions.

Following are the newly appointed division presidents:

International Division: Paul J. Hueber formerly senior vp and managing director, Caribbean Division.

Super Centers Division: Michael S. Jardina, formerly senior vp, Northeast.

Northeast Division: Douglas M. Meissner, formerly senior vp, sales and advertising.

West Division: Lee M. Viliborghi, formerly senior vp, Northwest.

Southeast Division: William Wulfers, formerly senior vp, Southeast.

Also, effective immediately, David Montoya has been appointed senior vp, specialty operations reporting directly to Paul Hueber. Montoya will be instrumental in growing Kmart's specialty business interests. He will assume responsibility for Kmart Express, Restaurant Operations and One-Hour Photo. Montoya joined Kmart in 2000.

David Marsico has been appointed to senior vp, sales and marketing. In this position he will be responsible for sales promotions, advertising strategy and in-store marketing events. Marsico is a 30-year Kmart veteran and most recently served as senior vp - Southwest.

Kmart Corporation operates more than 2,100 Kmart and Super Center retail outlets.