Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle Inc. has announced several executive promotions, including the appointment of Bill Artman as CEO.
During his almost 40-year tenure with the company, Artman has served in various executive leadership roles, including president of supermarkets, EVP and SVP of retail operations. As a result, he has developed a deep understanding of Giant Eagle’s multifaceted business and has built strong and trusting relationships with Giant Eagle employees, customers, vendors and numerous business and community partners.
“Bill already has made a tremendous impact in his interim role, giving the board confidence that he is the right leader to take Giant Eagle to new heights. We are pleased to officially welcome him as CEO,” said Bart Friedman, chair of the board of directors.
“Over the past five months, Bill has established a new business strategy and assembled a strong executive leadership team comprised of an accomplished group of professionals with decades of relevant experience who have both a keen understanding of the company’s unique standing as a multi-format retailer and a strong vision for its future. Combined with Bill’s unique understanding of the history and heritage of the business and markets in which it operates, we are confident this leadership team will carry the company into many new chapters of success.”
“I’m humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead the company that I’ve been a part of almost four decades, while working alongside thousands of exceptional and talented [employees],” Artman said.
“My focus is, and always has been, on delivering for our customers and neighborhoods in which we operate, while providing the support our [employees] need so they can deliver the best experience possible for our customers no matter how they choose to shop with us.”
Over the past five months, Artman has focused on putting the customer at the center of the company’s efforts. Recent and ongoing efforts include moving quickly to return a revamped weekly circular to mailboxes in Pittsburgh and Cleveland; the reintroduction of the Price Lock promotion to lock prices on more than 1,000 seasonally relevant products; Free Coffee Monday at GetGo; seasonally impactful fuel discounts; new and expanded personalized savings through the company’s myPerks loyalty platform; and the rollout of a new employee perks and discount program that is currently in pilot.
Executive leadership team
Artman has assembled his leadership team through the appointment of several executive leaders with decades of industry experience and an understanding of the company’s standing as a multi-format retailer.
Terri Micklin has been promoted to EVP, president of GetGo. With more than two decades of retail, fuel and convenience industry expertise, Micklin brings knowledge to this role, having recently served as SVP of development and strategy for GetGo. Her career includes experience with ExxonMobil Corp. and more than 20 years with Wawa Inc., where she spearheaded numerous construction initiatives, including new stores, remodels and other significant projects.
Jim Tsipakis has been promoted to EVP, president of supermarkets and pharmacy. Most recently, Tsipakis was EVP and president of Giant Eagle Pharmacy. In his new role, he will now oversee both the supermarket and pharmacy businesses for Giant Eagle.
His expanded responsibilities will enable him to drive transformative strategies to create an exceptional and differentiated in-store experience for customers and continue to position Giant Eagle Pharmacy as a leading healthcare resource and destination. Tsipakis will lead several vital areas of the business including retail and pharmacy operations, supermarket merchandising and the evolution of the supermarket service culture.
Dave Burnworth has been promoted to EVP, chief financial officer. Most recently, Burnworth was SVP and chief accounting officer of the company. His financial acumen, coupled with his strategic vision, will further strengthen the company’s financial foundation and ensure its sustained growth in an ever-evolving market. In this role, Burnworth will play a role in driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision-making across the organization.
Graham Watkins has been promoted to EVP, chief information and supply chain officer. Most recently, he was EVP of supply chain transformation and operations. Watkins will maintain responsibility for the company’s supply chain and warehouse operations, while also leading its information technology teams to advance the company’s IT and technology initiatives that are underway.
Justin Weinstein has been promoted to EVP, chief strategy and marketing officer. Most recently, he was SVP and chief strategy officer. In this role, Weinstein will play a role in defining Giant Eagle’s corporate and go-to-market strategy.
He will continue to lead the organization’s strategic planning, analytics, digital and partnerships functions, while serving as chief of staff to the CEO. In his expanded role, he also will oversee the company’s enterprise marketing, retail media network and e-commerce strategy teams.
“Terri, Jim, Dave, Graham and Justin have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to our customers,” Artman said.
“Their expanded roles within the organization will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to deliver meaningful everyday value and an exceptional omnichannel shopping experience for our customers in an environment that recognizes and rewards our [employees].”
Completing the Giant Eagle Inc. executive leadership team are Greg Baker, EVP and general counsel, and Janis Leigh, EVP and chief people officer.
Read more executive news from The Shelby Report.
