Today, Loblaw announced that it has appointed Per Bank president and CEO. He will formally join the company and assume the role by the first quarter of 2024.
The news follows a global talent search initiated in August 2022 in anticipation of Robert Sawyer’s planned retirement as Loblaw’s COO at the end of 2023.
“Over the past two years, we have strengthened the foundations of the company. Our management team is exceptional, and our 220,000 colleagues continue to deliver for our customers every day,” said Galen G. Weston, current president at Loblaw, in a statement. “In Per we have found a world-class retail executive to help us build from that position of leadership and strength, and to continue on that journey.”
Bank is a 30-year industry leader with expertise in retail operations and supply chain. He is the outgoing CEO of Salling Group A/S, the largest retailer in Denmark, with 1,700 multi-banner supermarkets across three countries. The brand emphasizes ecommerce and private-brand programs and has one of Denmark’s largest private-sector workforces.
In his role as president and CEO, Bank will be responsible for Loblaw’s day-to-day operations. He will report to Loblaw’s board of directors. Weston will remain chair of the Loblaw board of directors, as well as chair of the board of directors and CEO of parent company George Weston Limited where he will help set the group’s strategy. Richard Dufresne will continue as Loblaw’s CFO and president and CFO of George Weston Limited.
“Loblaw is admired worldwide for its sound values, long history of innovation, and the strong execution that has made the company what it is today,” said Bank in a statement. “I am truly excited to join the team and build on the ongoing success of my future colleagues.”
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