Food wholesaler Nash Finch Co. of Edina said Thursday that it has selected a former 7-Eleven executive to be its chief operating officer.

Kevin Elliott will fill the position hastily vacated earlier this month by Christopher Brown. Elliott, 46, was senior vice president of merchandising, logistics and marketing at 7-Eleven.

Brown, who was named Nash Finch COO in February 2010, left that job "effective immediately," according to a Nov. 21 filing with securities regulators. Brown will stay with Nash Finch until Jan. 3 to "assist in the transition of his duties."

Elliott officially joined the company Monday, according to a Nash Finch statement. He worked at 7-Eleven from 2001 to 2010, and was responsible for overseeing store operations and the company's national distribution network. He has been a consultant since leaving 7-Eleven.

MIKE HUGHLETT