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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Meijer Inc. has tapped Rick Keyes to serve as its new president. He succeeds J.K. Symancyk, who had served as president since 2013.
Meijer Inc. has tapped Rick Keyes to serve as its new president. He succeeds J.K. Symancyk, who had served as president since 2013.
Symancyk is leaving the company to join Academy Sports + Outdoors, a sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer based in Katy, Texas.
"We are pleased to introduce Rick as our new president," said Hank Meijer, cochairman and co-chief executive officer of the Midwestern supercenter chain. "Rick’s proven leadership has been an inspiration to our team. He has grown up with Meijer, excelling in positions in both pharmacy and store operations, and, most recently, building industry-leading supply chain and manufacturing operations."
Keyes, 46, joined Meijer 26 years ago as a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio. He most recently served as executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing, a post he has held since 2006. In that capacity he oversaw the retailer’s expansion into manufacturing with the acquisition of one dairy and construction of another, and pioneered initiatives ranging from the launch of a near-zero emission truck fleet to significant investments in lean distribution technologies.
"I am truly humbled and honored to accept the role as president of Meijer," Keyes said. "I joined this company as a frontline team member more than 25 years ago, and Meijer has provided me the opportunity to learn, grow and develop experiences across a variety of disciplines. I’m very much looking forward to working with our team members at all levels to ensure Meijer continues to grow and thrive."
Meijer currently operates 222 supercenters and grocery stores in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
Keyes will be the seventh president in the company’s 81-year history.
Symancyk served as president of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Meijer since February 2013. Since joining the supercenter retailer in September 2006, he also has served as chief operating officer, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing, and group vice president of fresh foods.
Before joining Meijer, Symancyk spent 12 years at Sam’s Club, most recently as divisional merchandise manager of fresh foods.
"J.K. is an exceptional retail strategist with a strong business and financial acumen and proven track record of success," said Nate Taylor, Academy Sports + Outdoors chairman and head of KKR Retail Americas. "We believe that he will strengthen an already talented management team and enhance a corporate infrastructure that is well positioned for the future. We are also confident in J.K.’s commitment to delivering exceptional customer service, maintaining everyday-low prices, fostering team culture, and developing Academy’s omnichannel retail environment."
Academy Ltd. said that Symancyk is slated to join the company on November 2. He succeeds Rodney Faldyn as president and CEO of the chain, which operates more than 200 stores located in 15 states.
