Former Sobeys chief executive and chair David Sobey dies at 92

The Canadian Press

David Sobey announces that the Sobey family empire is donating $18 million to Saint Mary's University at an event at the school in Halifax on Thursday, March 21, 2019. David Sobey, a former chief executive and chair of the Sobeys Inc. grocery store chain, has died. He was 92 years old. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan)

David Sobey, a former chief executive and chair of the Sobeys Inc. grocery store chain, has died. He was 92 years old.

Empire Co. Ltd., the parent company of Sobeys, says he helped grow the regional player built by his father into a national food retailing and distribution business.

Empire chief executive Michael Medline called Sobey an incredible retailer, business leader and mentor.

Sobey served as vice-chair and CEO of Sobeys from 1982 to 1986 and as chair and CEO from 1986 to 1995.

He was chair from 1995 until 2001 when he retired and was appointed chair emeritus of Sobeys.

Sobey retired from the Empire board of directors in 2015.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2023.