The Bellingham Business Journal

Jim Donald, the former CEO of Starbucks, has been named president and CEO of Haggen, Inc.

Donald served at Starbucks Corp. from 2002 to 2008, first as president of Starbucks North America and then as president and CEO of Starbucks from 2005 to 2008. During his tenure, Starbucks grew to more than 15,000 stores in 43 countries. Donald was named one of the top 25 CEOs in the world in 2006 by The Best Practice Institute.

“We are extremely pleased to attract an executive with Jim Donald’s skills and record of success to lead our Haggen Food & Pharmacy and TOP Food & Drug stores,” said Don Haggen, co-owner of the company with his brother, Rick Haggen. “He has the experience of leading large companies, but understands the importance of visiting stores and building strong relationships within the many communities we serve.”

Donald said he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to lead one of the most respected companies in the Pacific Northwest.

“Haggen has led the industry in innovation, quality and service, and I am proud to join its 3,700 associates in continuing this trend,” Donald said. “Joining Haggen brings me back to my roots in the supermarket industry, a business that I have always had a passion for.”

Donald is succeeding Dale C. Henley, president and CEO of Haggen, Inc. since 1996, who announced his retirement earlier this year. Henley will become a non-executive chairman of the board of Haggen and will continue as president/CEO of Briar Development Co., a Haggen affiliate that develops and owns real estate.

Bellingham-based Haggen, Inc. was founded in 1933 and  operates 33 supermarkets in Washington and Oregon under the Haggen Food & Pharmacy and TOP Food & Drug names. The company had revenue of $844 million in 2008, ranking 72nd among all North American food retailers.

For more information, visit www.haggen.com and www.top-foods.com.