GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — An executive with a pharmacy background has been named as the new president of Meijer Inc.

Meijer’s Rick Keyes

The supercenter chain said Friday that Rick Keyes, executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing, takes over from J.K. Symancyk, who is leaving the company to become president and chief executive officer of Academy Sports + Outdoors, a sports, outdoor and lifestyle retailer.

Keyes, 46, a graduate of Ohio Northern University’s College of Pharmacy, joined Meijer 26 years ago as a pharmacist in Columbus, Ohio.

He has held the post of executive vice president of supply chain and manufacturing since 2006. In that role, he oversaw the Meijer’s expansion into manufacturing with the acquisition of one dairy and construction of another, and pioneered initiatives ranging from the launch of a near-zero emission truck fleet to significant investments in lean distribution technologies.

“I am truly humbled and honored to accept the role as president of Meijer,” Keyes said in a statement. “I joined this company as a front-line team member more than 25 years ago, and Meijer has provided me the opportunity to learn, grow and develop experiences across a variety of disciplines. I’m very much looking forward to working with our team members at all levels to ensure Meijer continues to grow and thrive.”

Keyes will be the seventh president in Meijer’s 81-year history. The retailer operates 222 supercenters and grocery stores, with pharmacies, in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky and Wisconsin.

“We are pleased to introduce Rick as our new president,” stated Hank Meijer, co-chairman and co-chief executive officer. “Rick’s proven leadership has been an inspiration to our team. He has grown up with Meijer, excelling in positions in both pharmacy and store operations, and, most recently, building industry-leading supply chain and manufacturing operations.”