J.K. Symancyk

Meijer has announced that it has appointed J.K. Symancyk president of the company, one year after he assumed the chief operating officer role at the retailer. At the same time, the company appointed former president Mark Murray to the new position of co-CEO, where he will serve with current CEO Hank Meijer.

In his new position, Murray will serve as a partner in the development of future business strategy with Hank Meijer, Doug Meijer and Symancyk. Murray will also serve as vice chairman of the Meijer board of directors.

As COO, Symancyk supervised retail operations, supply chain, manufacturing, merchandising and marketing, Meijer stated. As president, he will oversee all day-to-day business of the company, reporting to the co-CEOs Meijer and Murray.

"I am pleased to introduce J.K. as our next company president," said Hank Meijer, in comments on the leadership changes. "J.K. has been a key member of our leadership team, including most recently as our chief operating officer, and he has played an important role in the growth and success of Meijer since joining us in 2006."

Symancyk joined Meijer in 2006 as vp/perishables. He became executive vp/merchandising and marketing in 2007 and accepted the role of chief operating officer in 2012. 

"Having worked with J.K. in his different roles here at Meijer, we are very confident he is the right leader to help continue our path of growth and expansion," Meijer said. "We are also delighted that Mark Murray will remain a valuable partner in the continued growth of Meijer. Mark and his team have done a tremendous job and have positioned Meijer well for the future."

Meijer operates 199 supercenters and grocery stores throughout Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky.