Weis Markets has promoted John Cooper to director of strategic initiatives, a role in which he will lead efforts to advance enterprise transformation through the strategic use of artificial intelligence, data and digital technologies.
His promotion is one of three director-level moves the Mid-Atlantic grocer announced in its fresh merchandising, advertising/marketing and information technology departments.
Cooper, who will also continue to oversee the company’s vendor management team, most recently served as senior manager of vendor relations, a position he held since 2019. He reports to Greg Zeh, SVP and chief information officer.
Private brands, deli also gain new directors
Tom Domaracki has been promoted to director of private brands, responsible for new product development and day-to-day management of the company’s 6,500-item private brand program, including Weis Quality, Weis By Nature and Weis Organics products. He most recently served as senior manager of the dairy category, a position he held since 2014. He earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Penn State University, completed the Food Executive Program at Cornell University and reports to Maria Rizzo, VP of advertising and marketing.
Rob Dacko has been promoted to director of deli and prepared foods. He joined Weis Markets in 2015 and has held various foodservice and deli merchandising positions, most recently category manager for deli and prepared foods. Earlier in his career, he worked as a chef in Harrisburg, State College and Philadelphia, where he helped open Butcher and Singer, a steakhouse operated by Starr Restaurants. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, he reports to Doug Becker, VP of fresh merchandising.
Founded in 1912, Sunbury, Pennsylvania-based Weis Markets operates 202 stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, West Virginia and Virginia.
Related: Weis Markets Promotes Godfrey To VP Of Operational Efficiency