WEST DES MOINES – Webster City natives Rob Eslick and Craig Clasen have been promoted at Hy-Vee Inc.

Eslick has been promoted to district vice president of Hy-Vee’s southwest district. Eslick began his career with Hy-Vee in Webster City in 1981 before becoming store director of the Fairmont, Minnesota, store in 1995. He served as a store director for two other stores prior to being selected as an assistant vice president of operations and added to the Hy-Vee executive staff. Eslick was named into the Hy-Vee Hall of Fame as Store Director of the Year in 1998 and as Officer of the Year, Operations in 2008. He also served on the Hy-Vee board of directors in 2003 and 2013.

“It is with great pride that we move Rob to this next level of responsibility within our company. He has been a strong, steady and trusted leader in Hy-Vee for many years,” said Randy Edeker, Hy-Vee chairman, CEO and president. “Rob has a calm leadership style that attracts people to him. He has always been positive, innovative and has a great vision for helping lead our largest market.”

Clasen has been promoted to assistant vice president of grocery and frozen purchasing at Hy-Vee. Formerly director of sales and promotions, Clasen began his career with Hy-Vee in 1977 as a part-time checker in Webster City. He worked in store management positions for many years before he received his first store director assignment in Fremont, Nebraska. In 2001, Clasen was elected to the Hy-Vee board of directors. In 2006, Clasen became president of The Meyocks Group, and in 2008 he joined the Hy-Vee corporate team. Clasen was promoted to director of sales and promotions in 2009. He has had two inductions into the Hy-Vee Hall of Fame: in 2004 he received Staff Member of the Year, and in 2012 he received the Community Involvement, Staff award.

“Craig is a true entrepreneur and merchant. He has been successful at every level and as a retail leader. I look forward to him taking on a larger leadership role in the future,” Edeker said.

The promotions were announced last month at the company’s annual stockholders’ meeting. Thirty-four employees were promoted, including nine at group vice president, four at assistant vice president and three at senior vice president.