H.Y. Louie Co. restructures, names Gary Sorenson president and COO

B.C.'s H.Y. Louie Co. Limited, which operates IGA franchise and Fresh Street Market stores in B.C., is restructuring and forming a subsidiary called Georgia Main Food Group to oversee the the company's food businesses.

Effective March 25, family-owned H.Y. Louie Co. Limited becomes parent company to the newly formed Georgia Main Food Group. Gregory Louie and Stuart Louie become co-presidents of the H.Y. Louie Co. Limited holding company, while Brandt C. Louie remains chairman and CEO.

Meanwhile, Gary Sorenson, who has served as executive vice-president of H.Y. Louie since 2011, will oversee Georgia Main Food Group as president and chief operating officer.

Mark McCurdy, vice-president, retail development and brand strategy, at H.Y. Louie Co. Limited told Canadian Grocer that restructuring allows the company to focus solely on the food portion of its business, to make noticeable changes and to "build out some of the Fresh Street Markets."

"One of the things about being a family company is we can be nimble and react quickly to any number of business situations or opportunities that come along in the grocery business," said McCurdy, when asked about the significance of restructuring in such a competitive landscape. "We feel we can continue to be nimble through this business model and have a strong cultural structure."