Overwaitea promotes Brenda Kirk

Overwaitea Food Group has promoted Brenda Kirk to vice-president of centre of store merchandising.

Kirk, previously general manager of centre of store, has been with Langley, B.C.-based Overwaitea for 35 years.

In her new role, Kirk (pictured) will “ensure that centre of store merchandising is appropriately supported through the company’s anticipated growth and expansion,” according to an Overwaitea press release.

Overwaitea is looking to grow its Save-on-Foods banner by opening more stores and expanding into new markets. Next year, Save-On stores will open in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where Overwaitea does not yet have any presence.

Overwaitea currently operates 147 stores in B.C. and Alberta under Save-On and banners such as Overwaitea, PriceSmart, Cooper’s Foods and Urban Fare.

Kirk, who said she was “thrilled about this new opportunity” started as a cashier at Overwaitea, working her way up through the ranks as store manager, regional manager, and, for the last 15 years, working on the development and execution of Overwaitea’s merchandising strategy.

She was involved in developing and growing Overwaitea’s Own Local, Always Lowest Guaranteed, Fresh Solutions and What’s New programs.

Kirk is a winner of the 2015 Canadian Grocer Star Women in Grocery Award. Earlier this year she was also recognized with the Overwaitea’s 2014 Business Leader of the Year award.

In her new role, Kirk will continue to report to Blendle Scott, Overwaitea’s senior VP of merchandising and business development.