MATTHEWS, N.C. — Family Dollar Stores Inc. has appointed Mike Bloom president and chief operating officer, replacing R. James Kelly, who is retiring.
Family Dollar Stores Inc. has appointed Mike Bloom president and chief operating officer, replacing R. James Kelly, who is retiring.
"Today’s announcement reflects the result of several years of thoughtful discussion and planning as we prepared for Jim’s retirement," said Howard Levine, chairman and chief executive officer. "We are pursuing an ambitious growth agenda to expand our market share and drive greater financial returns, and these leadership changes ensure that we have a strong management team in place to execute our plans.
"A highly respected leader in the industry, Mike is a great addition to our team. With more than 30 years of operational experience in small-box retailing, he is a seasoned merchant with a proven track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering results. In addition to being a strong leader, Mike is passionate about the customer and driving their loyalty. In his new role, Mike will have responsibility for major operational functions, including store operations, merchandising, marketing, global sourcing and supply chain," Levine said.
Family Dollar has also promoted Dorlisa Flur, who was executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, to vice chairman and chief administrative officer. Both Bloom and Flur will report to Levine.
Flur joined Family Dollar in 2004 as senior vice president of strategy and business development and was promoted in October 2008 to executive vice president of strategy and marketing. In August 2009 she was elevated to the role of EVP and chief merchandising officer. Before joining Family Dollar, she was a principal with McKinsey & Co.
"Since joining Family Dollar in 2004, Dorlisa has led a number of significant cross-functional initiatives including the launch of our food strategy, the development of our Concept Renewal format, and the repositioning of our private brand program," said Levine. "Most recently, Dorlisa has served as our chief merchandising officer, leading our ongoing efforts to improve the shopping experience, strengthen our merchandising capabilities and enhance customer loyalty. In her new role, Dorlisa will continue to provide leadership for major growth initiatives, including our chain-wide renovation effort. She will also assume executive responsibility for strategy, consumer insights, information technology and human resources."
Levine also paid tribute to Kelly, noting that as vice chairman and chief financial officer he has provided leadership as Family Dollar progressed through a transitional period of accelerated store growth and infrastructure development. "As president and COO, Jim has provided strong strategic and operational vision, and I sincerely appreciate his partnership and support," Levine remarked. "We are grateful that Jim will serve as vice chair over the next six months, working closely with Mike and Dorlisa to assist in the transition. We thank Jim for all his years of dedicated service and many valuable contributions to Family Dollar and wish him all the best in his retirement."
Through the course of a 20-year career at CVS, Bloom began in store operations and rose through positions of increasing responsibility in merchandising, including vice president of consumer health care and senior vice president of merchandising. Before joining CVS, Bloom spent 10 years in managerial and executive positions with People’s Drug Stores and Shoppers Drug Mart.
