Albertsons Cos. Inc., which plans to merge with pharmacy chain Rite Aid Corp., appointed James Donald its new president and COO, effective immediately.
Donald joins the U.S. grocer from hotel chain operator Extended Stay America Inc., where he served as CEO and director. He also was CEO and director at Extended Stay's subsidiary ESH Hospitality Inc.
Prior to working at ESH, Donald was CEO, president and director at Starbucks Corp., and he also served as CEO and president of Haggen Food & Pharmacy and Pathmark Stores Inc.
He previously held other senior and executive roles at Walmart Inc., Safeway Inc. and Albertsons Inc.
