The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company, Inc. (A&P), Montvale, N.J., said it hired Tom O’Boyle for a new position of executive vice president. Officials said O'Boyle will lead A&P's corporate merchandising, marketing, supply chain and logistics departments "to develop a cohesive synergy between these critical functions." He will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Sam Martin.

Said Martin, “Tom is an expert merchant with a proven track record of aligning merchandising offers with exciting marketing programs to meet customers’ needs. His appointment completes my dynamic executive management team which will lead our Company’s turnaround initiative.”

O'Boyle has more than 25 years of retail experience in merchandising and marketing including management positions in Jewel Food Stores and Albertson’s. Prior to joining the A&P, O'Boyle was president and senior vice president, food and drug, for Sears. Before that, he was the Senior Vice president, merchandising and marketing for Albertson’s.

A&P operates 429 stores in 8 states and the District of Columbia under the following trade names: A&P, Waldbaum's, Pathmark, Best Cellars, The Food Emporium, Super Foodmart, SuperFresh and Food Basics.