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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The California Grocers Association has named Keri Askew Bailey as SVP government relations and public policy, effective immediately.

In this newly created position, Bailey will assume responsibility for creating and managing an aggressive public policy program through the development and facilitation of coalitions with CGA membership, ally associations, chambers of commerce, and other interested parties.

BENTON HARBOR, Mich. — Whirlpool  has appointed Esther Berrozpe as president of the company's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region and to the company's executive Committee. Berrozpe is currently VP European markets for the company's EMEA region.

"Esther is a proven global leader at Whirlpool Corp. Her experience in both Europe and North America is strong, and she is well-suited to lead our European business," said Jeff Fettig, chairman and CEO of Whirlpool Corp.

The board of directors of the General Electric Company nominated former Securities and Exchange Commission chairman Mary Schapiro to serve on its board.

Schapiro will stand for election at GE’s annual meeting on April 24, the company said.

BURNABY, B.C. — Best Buy has named Ron Wilson as its new president and COO of its Canada operations, effective immediately. In this role, Wilson will lead the business in Canada under the Future Shop and Best Buy brands, including online.

BOSTON — Merchant Warehouse, a leading innovator of payment technologies and merchant account services, has named Greg Cohen chief revenue and strategy officer. With extensive experience in implementing business strategies, as well as channel and value chain expansion across the payments industry, Cohen will be responsible for expanding partnership, payment and commerce opportunities within the Genius™ Customer Engagement Platform and accountability to ensuring the strength and growth of the company’s existing business.

Insight Beverages has named Sharon Porter as director of national sales effective Feb. 25, 2013. 

“As director of national sales, Sharon will lead our organization in its efforts to expand our core convenience store business, distribution and national accounts.  We are very excited to have a person of Sharon’s caliber at our company as we continue to expand our business in convenience stores and other foodservice channels,” said Bill Flack, VP sales for Insight Beverages.

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. has promoted Dan Meyer to the position of EVP retail operations. In this position, Meyer will be responsible for the retail operations of all 167 Stater Bros. Supermarkets as well as overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Corporate Training Center.  

WOONSOCKET, R.I. — CVS Caremark has announced the appointment of former Staples executive Brian Tilzer as SVP chief digital officer.

In his new role, Tilzer will develop and lead teams driving CVS Caremark's company-wide digital innovation efforts and will focus on connecting current and future digital initiatives.

SEATTLE -- Kitchen goods retailer, Sur La Table, has promoted Jacob Maurer to the position of SVP, general merchandising manager.

The promotion is effective immediately, and will put Maurer in charge of all merchandise buying and product development functions for the company.

Maurer joined Sur La Table in 2003 as a store manager, opening the chain’s first Massachusetts store located in Chestnut Hill. In October 2004 he joined the company’s merchandising team in Seattle and rose to VP merchandising by 2009.

CINCINNATI — Kroger has promoted Jeff Burt, formerly group VP perishables, merchandising and procurement, to president of the company's Central division. Kroger's Central Division operates 136 food stores primarily in Indiana and Illinois.

Mr. Burt, 50, has been group vice president of perishables merchandising and procurement since 2010. He succeeds Bob Moeder, who recently announced his plans to retire this spring.

Rite Aid on Thursday announced the appointment of Yong Choe as VP federal affairs and public policy.

Choe previously served as director of business outreach and member services for the Republican Study Committee, chaired by Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio, and worked in various roles in the government affairs division of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores between 2003 and 2010. In his new position, he will report to EVP pharmacy Robert Thompson.