Grocery Outlet names co-c.e.o.'s

Berkeley, Calif.-based extreme-value retailer Grocery Outlet, Inc. has promoted MacGregor Read and Eric Lindberg to co-chief executive officers, to spearhead a strategy for aggressive growth over the next few years.

Read was formerly v.p. of real estate, while Lindberg was v.p. of purchasing. They now will be responsible for driving the company's future business strategies, and will also work with president/c.o.o. Bob Tiernan to drive the company's day-to-day operations, which include 124 stores in six western states and Hawaii.

Steven Read, who had been c.e.o., is now executive chairman. Peter Read remains chairman. Both are owners of the company and sons of its founder, Jim Read.

"MacGregor and Eric have both made significant contributions to Grocery Outlet, and are the nucleus of a great team charged with guiding us into our next phase of growth," says Steven Read.

MacGregor Read began his career in the food industry with Lucky Stores in 1986. After graduating from the University of the Pacific, he went to work for Del Monte Foods as a product manager. In 1996 he joined Grocery Outlet, where he advanced through several positions until becoming v.p. of real estate and construction in 2004.

Eric Lindberg's career at Grocery Outlet also began in 1996. After starting in store operations, his career took him through the entire purchasing department: dry grocery, perishables, and GM/HBC. Lindberg was promoted to v.p. of purchasing in 2001.

MacGregor Read is the son, and Lindberg the son-in-law, of Peter Read.