Ruddick Corp. Emerges as Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc.

Ruddick Corp. will officially become known as Harris Teeter Supermarkets Inc. on April 2, in line with the authorization granted at the Charlotte, N.C.-based company’s February shareholders meeting. The board of directors had determined that the new name better describes the company’s current operating activities and long-term strategic focus than the previous name, with "Harris Teeter" communicating a strong tradition of quality and focus on customer service.

The board also approved changing the company’s ticker tape symbol for shares of its common stock listed on the New York Stock Exchange from “RDK” to “HTSI” and relocating the company’s principal offices to the offices of its subsidiary, Harris Teeter Inc., in Matthews, N.C. Like the name change, the relocation and symbol change will take effect April 2.

Additionally, the company made the following changes among its executive officers: Thomas W. Dickson, previously chairman of the board, president and CEO, is now chairman and CEO; Frederick J. Morganthall II, previously president of Harris Teeter Inc., is now president and COO; John B. Woodlief, previously VP-finance and CFO, is now EVP and CFO; and Rodney C. Antolock, previously EVP, operations and merchandising of Harris Teeter Inc., is now EVP. All executive officer appointments are effective April 2, and the executive officers of the company will also take on identical roles at Harris Teeter Inc. on that date.

Ruddick is a holding company for Harris Teeter, a regional supermarket chain with operations in eight states primarily in the southeastern and mid-Atlantic United States, and the District of Columbia.