Cub Foods Names New President of West Region.

STILLWATER, Minn. -- Current President Gordy Farrington to Retire June 30

Cub Foods announced today that Brian Huff, vice president of merchandising at Cub Foods, will succeed Gordy Farrington as president of Cub Foods' West Region. Huff will become president upon Farrington's retirement on June 30.

"Brian is well suited for the role of president at Cub Foods," said Roger Davidson, chief operating officer of SUPERVALU Retail Food Companies. "He's proven his dedication to the Cub organization and will continue to oversee the unwavering commitment to quality that Cub shows its customers every day."

Huff shared his thoughts about moving into the top position at Cub.

"I look forward to continuing the course Gordy has established," said Huff. "Gordy has assembled a fantastic executive leadership team at Cub. Our business model and strategic focus will remain the same."

Brian Huff brings nearly 25 years of supermarket merchandising and operations experience to his new position. He joined Cub Foods as vice president of merchandising in December 2003. Since that time, Huff has shown considerable prowess and passion for elevating Cub Foods' merchandising strategies to a new high.

Huff's grocery industry career began while he was in college, working part-time stocking shelves in a local grocery store.

Before joining Cub, Huff was vice president of merchandising at Sam's Club, a division of Wal-Mart. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland and Master of Science degree in business from Johns Hopkins University.

Gordy Farrington, who served in various executive level leadership positions at Cub Foods for more than 20 years, announced his retirement earlier this year. Huff will work closely with Farrington during the next several months to ensure a smooth transition.

"Gordy helped Cub Foods achieve its top market position in a very competitive region. He and his team oversaw the rapid expansion of Cub Foods and have continued to enhance Cub's reputation as one of the industry's premier discount food retailers," said John Hooley, president of SUPERVALU Retail Food Companies. "Gordy brought a passion for service and details with him when he joined Cub and I am confident that same focus will remain the standard within the organization. We wish him a long and happy retirement."

"It's been a privilege to be part of an outstanding organization like Cub Foods," said Farrington. "I'm thankful to be able to finish my career with the same company I started with more than two decades ago. My years with Cub have provided many fulfilling experiences."

Farrington began his grocery career in 1958, bagging groceries part-time at a family-owned Applebaum's grocery store in Minnesota. By the time he left the company in 1983, he had worked his way up the ranks to become director of operations. Farrington then joined SUPERVALU as the director of County Market stores in Latrobe, Penn. In 1986, he was named director of operations for the Illinois division of Cub Foods. Then, in 1989, he was promoted to regional vice president of the Illinois and Wisconsin Cub Foods divisions. In 1991, Farrington returned to the Twin Cities as regional vice president of the Minnesota Cub division. He remained in that position until 2003, when he was named president of Cub Foods West Region.

Cub Foods, one of the first discount food stores in the country, established the original concept of "Consumers United for Buying" in 1968. In 1980, SUPERVALU bought Cub Foods and expanded it from five stores to 52 stores in the Twin Cities. Cub's efficient buying, volume purchasing and disciplined format bring low prices, innovation and convenience to its customers.

Editor's note: Photos of Huff and Farrington are available, please contact John Anderson.