SALISBURY — Cathy Green Burns is out as president of Food Lion.

Roland Smith, new CEO of Delhaize America, has announced that Beth Newlands Campbell will replace Burns as president of the grocery store chain that started in Salisbury in 1957.

The change is effective Friday.

Campbell has served as president of Hannaford, another banner owned by Delhaize.

Just in July, Green Burns had announced a new strategy for Food Lion.

Bringing the new strategy to Salisbury has been emotional, she said then at a visit to the Faith Road store.

“I can’t tell you the pride and responsibility we feel,” Green Burns said.

Green Burns called that launch “a pivotal turning point for our company.”

Food Lion’s parent company, Delhaize America, has struggled with its bottom line and saw its 2011 profits drop. The stock is down 34 percent for the year, closing Thursday at $37.17.

Food Lion makes up the lion’s share of Delhaize.

Green Burns had banked on the new strategy, which she said was based on extensive consumer research and feedback from Food Lion customers.

“It’s the flywheel for improving our business over time,” she said. “It positions the company for future success.”

Read more in Friday’s Post.