SUNBURY, Pa., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Weis Markets, Inc. (NYSE: WMK) today said it has named David J. Hepfinger, 50, as the Company's new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding former CEO Norman S. Rich, who has retired. (Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080220/NEW084 ) Prior to becoming CEO, Mr. Hepfinger was the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). As President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Hepfinger is a member of the Company's Executive Committee and he oversees all aspects of the Company's operations. He will report to Weis Markets' Chairman Robert F. Weis and Vice Chairman Jonathan Weis. "This has been a carefully planned succession," said Jonathan H. Weis, Weis Markets' Vice Chairman. "Since joining our company in February, Dave has had an enormous impact on our company. He is a highly respected executive with broad-based operational experience and he excels at developing and managing a growing and diverse organization in a fast-moving retail environment. In the coming years, he will oversee the development and execution of our strategic growth and go-to-market initiatives. We look forward to working with him in his new role." "For 96 years, Weis Markets' has competed and succeeded in one of the most competitive markets in America," said Mr. Hepfinger, Weis Markets President and CEO. "Weis Markets is well-positioned for short-term and long-term growth. We will continue to focus on maximizing our market place advantages, investing in our organization and the technologies that help improve efficiencies and deliver a better shopping experience." "Norm Rich has contributed much to our company during his 44-year career," said Jonathan Weis. "He has served our company loyally and with distinction, particularly during the past 14 years when he served as our company president and subsequently as CEO. We are truly grateful for his many achievements and wish him only the best in the years ahead." "I have been honored to work with a lot of great people during my career and leave Weis Markets' knowing that it is well-positioned for a future of growth and continued success," said Norman S. Rich, retired Weis Markets' CEO. "It has been a great ride and I leave Weis Markets in capable hands." Prior to joining Weis Markets in March, Mr. Hepfinger was Senior Vice President of Retailing and Administration at Price Chopper, a 116 store supermarket company based in Rotterdam, New York. In this position, he oversaw Price Chopper's warehouse, distribution, procurement and store operations. Mr. Hepfinger started his food retailing career as a night dairy clerk while in high school. During his 32 year career with Price Chopper, he worked as Vice President of Merchandising, Vice President of Retailing Operations and Regional Vice President. Earlier in his career, he worked as a District Manager and Store Manager. Founded in 1912, Weis Markets currently operates 155 stores in five states: Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York and West Virginia. It also owns SuperPetz, a pet supply superstore chain with 28 locations in ten states. http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080220/NEW084 http://photoarchive.ap.org/ DATASOURCE: Weis Markets, Inc. CONTACT: Dennis V. Curtin of Weis Markets, Inc., +1-570-847-3636,

Copyright