(Stellarton) David Sobey, former CEO and president of the Sobeys grocery chain, has died. He was 92 years old.

Empire, Sobeys’ parent company, noted that he was instrumental in growing the regional grocery chain founded by his father, “which today has become a national distribution and retail company of food products.”

Empire CEO Michael Medline called Sobey an “incredible retailer, business leader and mentor.”

David Sobey was vice-president and CEO of Sobeys from 1982 to 1986, and president and CEO from 1986 to 1995.

He served as Chairman from 1995 until his retirement in 2001, when he was named President Emeritus of Sobeys.

David Sobey retired from the Empire board of directors in 2015.

Company in this dispatch: (TSX: EMP. A)