The embattled supermarket operator, currently in Chapter 11 reorganization, has filed a plan to close 32 stores in six states as part of its operational and financial restructuring.

At the same time, as part of an ongoing management shakeup, A&P has added six new merchandising and marketing executives, all of whom report to Tom O’Boyle, EVP of merchandising and marketing.

MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P has filed a motion seeking bankruptcy court approval to shutter 32 stores in six states as part of its financial and operational restructuring under Chapter 11.

A&P has filed a motion seeking bankruptcy court approval to shutter 32 stores in six states as part of its financial and operational restructuring under Chapter 11.

The company expects to complete the closures during its fiscal first quarter, which ends in July, subject to court approval.

"As part of our turnaround and our ongoing review of our store footprint, we have decided to close these 32 locations," said Sam Martin, president and chief executive officer. "While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, communities and employees, these actions are absolutely necessary as we work to strengthen A&P’s operating foundation and improve our performance. We will help our affected colleagues pursue other positions across the company should open positions be available."

The closures come as no surprise, as analysts and industry observers had quickly suggested that the beleaguered retailer would use the reorganization process to shed underperforming stores at the time it declared bankruptcy. The closures should leave A&P with approximately 363 locations.

While the company attempts to streamline its dwindling store base, it continues to rebuild its management team with the addition of five new vice presidents and a senior vice president in the merchandising and marketing area. The newest appointees are:

• Marie Robinson, senior vice president of supply & logistics
• Nancy Gaddy, vice president of deli & bakery
• Kevin Broe, vice president of own brands
• Harry Giglio, vice president of meat & seafood
• Bob Weidner, vice president of customer experience & space management
• Corey Pearson, vice president of pricing & analytics

All six report to Tom O’Boyle, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing.

Robinson has 21 years of supply and logistics experience in leading both self-distribution and outsourced supply chain operations. Before joining A&P she was senior vice president of supply & logistics for Smart & Final Inc. and prior to that worked in logistics and supply chain at Walmart and Toys “R” Us Inc.

Before taking the A&P position, Gaddy was vice president of deli, bakery and food service operations for Winn Dixie Stores Inc. Her 23 years of experience in deli and bakery include positions at Ahold USA and Ingles Markets Inc.

Broe, who will lead A&P’s private label initiatives, has more than 26 years of retail experience, having served most recently as vice president of sales & merchandising, own brands, for Supervalu Inc. He earlier held management positions at American Stores Co., Bruno’s Inc. and Cub Foods.

Giglio is responsible for enhancing the meat and seafood selection and value proposition at A&P. He joins A&P from Weis Markets Inc., but has also served at Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. and Shaw’s Supermarkets during his 30-plus year career.

Enhancing the customer’s in-store experience, including revamping store layouts and merchandise sets, is Weidner’s task. He most recently served as senior vice president of U.S. operations for PRISM and prior to that rose through successive management positions at Jewel Food Stores.

Pearson, who was director of merchandising execution for Supervalu before joining A&P, is charged with leading the development and implementation of pricing strategy and systems as well as everyday pricing.

"A key element of our comprehensive turnaround is to further enhance value for our customers and their shopping experience in our stores through our broad selection of food products and superior service," said O’Boyle. "Marie, Nancy, Kevin, Harry, Bob and Corey are proven, high-caliber leaders and their combined expertise will significantly strengthen our merchandising and marketing organization and supply chain, and advance our operational and financial restructuring."

A few days before the executive hirings, A&P filed a notice with the Securities & Exchange Commission stating that senior vice president and chief financial officer Brenda Galgano will resign from the company effective March 27.