Finance and Economic

Two Whole Foods Markets Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI) executives were promoted today and one was added to the company's board of directors.

Co-Presidents and Chief Operating Officers Walter Robb and A.C. Gallo were granted their own titles Thursday. The two have shared the roles since October 2004.

Robb was elevated to co-CEO with founder John Mackey and joins the Austin-based natural grocer's board, while Gallo goes on as sole president and COO.

"Walter and A.C. are brilliant retailers, and their contributions to Whole Foods Market's success have been immeasurable. Due in large part to their operational leadership, we successfully managed through 2009, the most difficult year in our company's 30-year history," Mackey said.

Robb started working for Whole Foods in 1991 after selling his operating lease for the future Mill Valley, Calif. store. He ended up opening and operating that store as a team leader until his promotion to president of the northern pacific region in July 1993. Under his leadership, the region grew from two to 17 stores, completed four acquisitions and was a top-performing region for five years.

Robb became executive vice president of operations in 2001, co-COO in 2003 and co-president in 2004.

Gallo transferred to Whole Foods after 15 years with Bread & Circus, which was acquired by Whole Foods in 1992. He was promoted to vice president of the northeast region in 1994 and then to president in 1996. During his tenure, the Northeast region grew from eight stores to 16, including two acquisitions and the first New York City story.

Gallo became executive vice president of operations in 2001, co-chief operating officer in 2003 and co-president in 2004.

Whole Foods posted its quarterly earnings Wednesday, posting 147 percent net income growth.

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