Meijer has hired Rick Keyes, a longtime employee who worked his way up to executive from store pharmacist, as its new president, the company announced last week.
He is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and a graduate of Ohio Northern University's College of Pharmacy.
Keyes will replace J.K. Symancyk, who left the Midwest retailer this week to be a the chief executive officer of a Texas-based sporting goods chain.
"Rick's proven leadership has been an inspiration to our team," said Hank Meijer, co-chairman and co-CEO, in a statement. "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, had been executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing since 2006. In that capacity, he oversaw the retailer's expansion into manufacturing with the acquisition of one dairy and construction of another.
He is credited with pioneering initiatives ranging from the launch of a near-zero emission truck fleet to significant investments in lean distribution technologies.
His 26-year career with Meijer began in Columbus, where he was hired as a store pharmacist. Keyes said he was "humbled and honored" to be offered the presidency.
"I joined this company as a front-line 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," Keyes said in a statement. "I'm very much looking forward to working with our team members at all levels to ensure Meijer continues to grow and thrive."
While Keyes' imprint on the increased sophistication of Meijer supply chain and manufacturing operations is dramatic, he is also known as a strong advocate for team members, including a passion for increasing employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Since 2012, Keyes has led an initiative at several Meijer distribution facilities to create job opportunities for persons with various levels of disability, partnering with several local non-profit agencies.
"A company can only be great if its team members feel valued and engaged, regardless of their role or level," Keyes said. "Together with a strong senior leadership team, I'm looking forward to charting a course for our company where everyone can feel ownership for our success, while delivering the excellent customer service Meijer is known for."
Keyes will be the seventh president in the company's 81-year history.
The Michigan retailer operates 222 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.
