Contact Information: Media Contact: Laura Brophy 212-537-5177, Ext 2
PITTSBURGH, PA--(Marketwire - June 22, 2009) - General
Nutrition Centers, Inc. today announced the appointment of Robert M.
Kral as Senior Vice President of Merchandising. In that position, he will
report directly to Beth Kaplan, President and Chief Merchandising and
Marketing Officer.
Kral is a 27-year veteran of Walgreens, the nation's largest drug store
chain, where he rose from store pharmacist through store manager, district
manager and operations vice president positions to head, as Senior Vice
President of Purchasing, merchandising and marketing initiatives for the
$59 billion company. He left Walgreens in 2007 to become an entrepreneur
and consultant.
"Bob is a great retailer with a demonstrated track record in both
operations and merchandising," said Kaplan. "He has extensive category
experience in nutritional supplements. As a former member of Walgreens'
strategic planning committee, he also has a strong understanding of
strategic decision making at a major specialty retailer. At the same time,
Bob's 12 years of experience in operations give him a clear understanding
of what drives sales at the store level as well."
"GNC's smart merchandising, science-based product development and very
strong store base allow it to dominate the supplements retailing segment,"
Kral said. "But there is clearly more room to grow, and I am very excited
to be part of the GNC team that will make that happen."
GNC was assisted in its recruitment of Kral by Berglass + Associates, a
leader in consumer goods recruiting.
About GNC
GNC, headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pa., is
the largest global specialty retailer of nutritional products including
vitamin, mineral, herbal and other specialty supplements and sports
nutrition, diet and energy products. As of March 31, 2009, GNC has more
than 5,200 retail locations throughout the United States (including 944
franchise and 1,733 Rite Aid
store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 44
international markets. The company -- which is dedicated to helping
consumers Live Well -- also offers products and product information online
at www.gnc.com.
