Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has shared multiple leadership transitions within the company, as Suzy Monford steps down from her role as chairwoman and CEO to pursue other opportunities. She had joined the company in November 2024.
HGG has named industry veteran David Hirz chairman of the board and is instituting an Office of the CEO composed of four senior leaders. The changes will support the company’s core mission of serving communities, long-term growth and continued operational excellence.
Hirz brings more than four decades of grocery retail leadership experience, having served as president at Food 4 Less and Ralphs, and most recently as president and CEO of Smart & Final.
He has been a key member of the HGG’s board for the past year, during which time he has developed an understanding of Heritage’s differentiated positioning and market dynamics. As chairman, Hirz will provide strategic oversight and support to the Office of the CEO.
The Office of the CEO will be comprised of the following members of the company’s senior executive team:
- Prabash Coswatte, chief operating officer;
- Leticia Espinoza, chief administrative officer and general counsel;
- Matthew Holt, chief financial officer; and
- Frank Ingraffia, chief transformation officer and CEO of Tony’s Fresh Market.
“Throughout my time on Heritage’s board, I have seen firsthand the strength of Heritage’s value proposition and customer loyalty across our banners,” Hirz said.
“We have a unique ability to serve communities with authenticity – and we’re committed to carrying that forward. The Heritage board thanks Suzy for her contributions during her time with the company.
“I look forward to supporting our team members and the outstanding leaders in the Office of the CEO who will help guide Heritage forward while we search for the right leader who shares our passion for customer service and community for the long-term.”
The board has launched a search for Heritage’s next CEO with the assistance of an executive search firm.
About Heritage Grocers Group
Ontario, California-based Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) is the largest Hispanic and ethnic food retailer in the country, offering an extensive assortment of traditional and specialty grocery items.
With a customer experience focused on freshness, authenticity and affordability, the HGG family of groceries incorporate freshly made ethnic foods, differentiated floor formats presenting distinct specialty categories and localized assortments.
The company operates in California, Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Nevada and Texas, with 58 stores under the Cardenas Markets banner and 29 under El Rancho Supermercado. It also has 21 Tony’s Fresh Market stores and seven Los Altos Ranch Markets.
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One year on the job, great vetting by the company!
Was she caught on a KissCam at a Coldplay concert?! 🤣