Food retail chain, Winn-Dixie Stores, announced that Laurence Appel, who joined Winn-Dixie in 2002 and formerly served as general counsel, corporate secretary and senior vice president of human resources, has been named senior vice president of retail operations.

Effective Jan. 5, Appel replaces Frank Eckstein, who has retired from his current role but will continue to serve in an advisory capacity until the end of fiscal year 2011. Appel will report to Peter Lynch, Winn-Dixie's Chairman, CEO, and President.

Timothy Williams, who joined Winn-Dixie in 2003 and formerly served as assistant general counsel, will succeed Appel as general counsel. Additionally, Anita Dahlstrom-Gutel, who joined the Winn-Dixie almost two years ago and formerly served as vice president of corporate human resources and talent acquisition/management, will assume the role of senior vice president of human resources. In their new roles, both will report to Lynch.

In other news, Dan Portnoy, senior vice president and chief merchandising and marketing officer, has resigned from the company. Portnoy's duties will be performed by Mary Kellmanson, group vice president of marketing; Matt Gutermuth, group vice president, non-perishables, pricing and corporate brands; James Smits, group vice president of perishables; and John Fegan, vice president of pharmacy. All four also will report directly to Lynch.