JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has named Laurence Appel senior vice president of retail operations.

Winn-Dixie Stores Inc. has named Laurence Appel senior vice president of retail operations.

Appel, who joined the supermarket chain in 2002 and was previously general counsel, corporate secretary and senior vice president of human resources, replaces Frank Eckstein, who has retired but will continue to serve as an advisor to the company until the end of the fiscal year in June.

"Larry has tremendous experience with Winn-Dixie and in retail in general," chief executive officer and president Peter Lynch says. "I am confident he will make a very positive impact on the management of our stores as we continue to execute our strategic initiatives and lay the foundation for our future growth."

Appel will be succeeded as general counsel by Timothy Williams, who joined Winn-Dixie in 2003 and was previously assistant general counsel. Anita Dahlstrom-Gutel will take over as senior vice president of human resources.

A two-year Winn-Dixie veteran, she was previously vice president of corporate human resources and talent acquisition/management.

Meanwhile, senior vice president Dan Portnoy has resigned from the company.