Safeway Inc. Chairman Peter A. Magowan is...

Safeway Inc. Chairman Peter A. Magowan is relinquishing his position as that company’s chief executive to devote more time to his new position as managing general partner and president of the San Francisco Giants.

The Oakland-based supermarket chain said its board has elected Steve Burd, Safeway’s president, to the additional post of chief executive. Burd’s appointment is effective May 1. Magowan will continue as the company’s chairman.

Safeway announced that Magowan had asked to be relieved of the chief executive’s position to handle the baseball executive duties.