Allegiance Retail Services has promoted Samer Rahman to president and chief operating officer, effective immediately, according to a July 27 news release from the Iselin, New Jersey-based supermarket cooperative. Rahman previously served as EVP and chief merchandising officer for the company, which provides marketing, advertising, technology and merchandising support to independent supermarkets.
He succeeds Joseph Fantozzi, who had held the president and COO roles since December 2023. Fantozzi had been with the company since March 2016, according to his LinkedIn profile.
As president and COO, Rahman will oversee daily business operations, supply chain logistics, store services and merchandising strategy across the co-op’s banners, which include Foodtown, Pathmark, Gristedes and D’Agostino.
His career spans more than three and a half decades in the corporate and independent grocery sectors, including tenures at Pathmark, A&P and Food Bazaar. Since joining Allegiance in 2013, he has served as director of meat and seafood, VP of perishables and VP of center store before becoming EVP/CMO. The New Jersey Food Council recently recognized him at its Night of Distinction.
“As a third-generation grocer with over 35 years of deep operational roots, he brings an unmatched blend of tradition, innovation, and strategic execution to the role,” said Jason Ferreira, chairman and CEO of Allegiance Retail Services. “Over the last decade at Allegiance, Samer has consistently lowered costs for our members, elevated our merchandising programs and built deep trust with our vendor community.”
Rahman said independent supermarket owners are central to the communities they serve. “I look forward to working closely with our exceptional corporate team and our dedicated members to drive operational efficiencies, launch innovative store programs, and build on the incredible momentum we have established at Allegiance.”
In addition to Foodtown, Pathmark, Gristedes and D’Agostino, Allegiance also serves the Freshtown, Pathmark, Daily, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets and Shop n Bag banners.