Kneeland leaving Kings for new position with Ahold
Kneeland leaving Kings for new position with Ahold
Veteran produce retailer Paul Kneeland is leaving Kings Food Markets, based in Parsippany, NJ, to lead fresh food merchandising for a new division of Ahold USA called Fresh Formats LLC.
Kneeland, whose last day at Kings is May 29, told The Produce News that he would become vice president of fresh merchandising for the division. He said the first store, which has yet to be named, is scheduled to open in Massachusetts at the end of the summer. He declined to provide further information about the store, other than to say it is “a new concept.”
KneelandKneeland began his retail career at Roche Bros., based in Wellesley, MA, and worked there for 26 years, rising to director of produce and floral operations. He joined Kings in 2007 to lead that chain’s produce and floral divisions. At the time of his departure, he held the title of vice president of produce, floral, seafood and meat, overseeing virtually all of King’s fresh food operations.
“It’s been a tremendous eight years at Kings,” he said. “It’s been an absolute pleasure working with the team here, and I am especially proud of how we advanced the merchandising strategy of the fresh foods.”
Kneeland was instrumental in bringing Kings’ 24 Hour Just Picked Promise Program to fruition. That popular program, now in its fourth year, endeavors to bring locally grown farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to retail shelves within 24 hours of being picked.
Kneeland said he wasn’t looking to leave Kings, but “a great opportunity came along and it was too good to pass up. It’s a start-up operation that presents a great challenge for me, and I love challenges. I am very much looking forward to it.”
The former Eastern Produce Council president said he would continue to reside in New Jersey and would try to remain involved with the council and attend meetings when he can, but “obviously my focus will be on the new position.”
