Safeway Names New CMO

Safeway has named Diane M. Dietz as the company’s new executive vice president and chief marketing officer. The appointment takes effect later this month, the company said.

In her new role, Dietz will oversee the food and drug retailer’s marketing, merchandising, manufacturing and distribution functions. She will report to Steven A. Burd, Safeway’s chairman, president and CEO.

Dietz replaces former CMO Brian Cornell who left the post in May 2007 after three years. Burd oversaw the marketing department since that time.

Dietz joins Safeway after a 19-year career with Procter & Gamble, where she is credited with leading the turnaround of the company’s Oral Care North American unit and rejuvenating the Crest brand.

She most recently ran one of the largest business units, having P&L responsibility for brands, including Crest toothpaste, Oral-B toothbrushes and Scope rinses. Dietz oversaw all aspects of the business, including unit sales, sourcing, marketing, manufacturing, quality control, supply chain, research and development, market research and HR functions.

Prior to that, Dietz ran a range of brand management and marketing functions across P&G.

For more people stories