BOISE, Idaho – Vivek Sankaran has been named president and CEO of Albertsons Companies, effective April 25. Sankaran’s appointment is part of a shifting of roles at the top of the retailer’s leadership structure.

Sankaran will succeed James L. Donald, who will continue as co-chairman of the board alongside Leonard Laufer. Donald was promoted to president and CEO in September 2018. Meanwhile, Robert G. Miller, chairman of Albertsons, has been named chairman emeritus and will continue to serve as a member of the retailer’s board of directors. Miller was CEO from April 2015 to September 2018.

Sankaran most recently was CEO of PepsiCo Foods North America since December 2018. Earlier, he was president and chief operating officer. He joined PepsiCo in 2009 and held several leadership roles within the company’s Frito-Lay North America division. Prior to joining PepsiCo, he was a partner at McKinsey, where he advised Fortune 100 companies with a focus on retail and technology.

He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Chennai and master’s degrees in manufacturing from the Georgia Institute of Technology and business administration from the Univ. of Michigan.

“Vivek brings a rare blend of CPG, retail, manufacturing, logistics, technology and research and development to Albertsons Companies, all of which are key components to being a successful retailer in an omni channel-driven environment,” Donald said. “Moreover, Vivek has the keen understanding that the front line is directly linked to the bottom line, and I’m confident he will inspire and engage our 270,000 associates across our stores, support offices, manufacturing facilities and distribution centers.”