Kathy is a great general merchandiser and Brian knows grocery. But Brian's strategic future bets are being placed in the grocery business, which is not in Kathy's sweet spot of past successes. With the freeing up of an EVP spot, Brian will fill it with a person who has track record of grocery business success.
Kathy's 30 years of service will be richly rewarded... I'm sure a $25+M compensation package will soften the landing.