The International Fresh Produce Association has appointed Samantha Ayoub as director of workforce and business policy on the U.S. Government Relations team effective Feb. 23. Ayoub will lead Washington, D.C.-based IFPA’s policy and regulatory efforts on workforce, labor, immigration, transportation, logistics and broader business issues shaping the fresh produce and floral supply chain. She also […]
Category: Executive News
Grocery industry executive news: appointments, promotions and leadership changes at retailers, wholesalers and suppliers.
Follow every leadership change in Executive Moves.
AFFI Promotes Seiling To COO, Head Of Strategic Initiatives
The American Frozen Food Institute has promoted Adrienne Seiling to COO and head of strategic initiatives, expanding her role on the executive leadership team. Seiling most recently served as SVP of industry affairs and member services. In her new role, she will oversee core operations and lead advancement of key organization priorities, including events and […]
NJFC Names 2026 Leadership Development Class
During its annual meeting Jan. 28, the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) named its 2026 Leadership Development class, comprising 10 young professionals poised to chart the future for the “beyond essential” industry of which 9.5 million New Jerseyans rely. Since 2014, the program has educated NJFC members who have a passion for working in the […]
Second Annual HFG Awards Program Honors 15 Store Managers From 6 States
Houchens Food Group continued its Store Manager Appreciation Awards for the second year, culminating with the announcement of the 2025 HFG Store Manager of the Year. The company recently hosted 15 lunch banquets divided by region and banner. The events included individual recognition of store managers, as well as a selection of other awards. In […]
Heritage Grocers Group Promotes Haywood To Corporate Controller
Ontario, California-based Heritage Grocers Group promoted Orma Haywood to corporate controller on Feb. 12. Reporting directly to Matthew Holt, CFO for Heritage Grocers Group, Haywood will oversee accounting operations, financial reporting and internal controls to ensure accuracy, compliance and operational excellence for all Heritage banner companies, including Cardenas Markets, Tony’s Fresh Market, El Rancho Supermercado and […]
J.M. Smucker Eliminates COO Role, Expands CFO, Supply Chain Leadership
The J.M. Smucker Company has announced a leadership restructuring that eliminates the chief operating officer position and expands responsibilities for its chief financial officer and newly created chief product supply officer. The Orrville, Ohio-based food manufacturer said the changes, effective Feb. 9, are designed to advance long-term growth strategy, further momentum among its brand portfolio […]
Kroger Appoints Foran As CEO, Ends Interim Leadership
The Kroger Co. has appointed Greg Foran as CEO, effective immediately, ending Ron Sargent’s tenure as interim CEO that began in March 2025. Foran, who brings more than 40 years of experience leading large consumer businesses, will also join Kroger’s board of directors. The Cincinnati-based grocer made the announcement Feb. 9, following an extensive search […]
Harmons Grocery Shares Several Executive Promotions
Harmons Grocery has promoted several executives following retirements within the Utah-based company. Lori Nigh The grocer has promoted Lori Nigh to EVP and COO following the retirement of Paul Adamson, who served 22 years as EVP of operations at the West Valley City, Utah-based grocer. Nigh most recently served as VP of sales, where she […]
Pearson To Join Post Consumer Brands As President, CEO
Greg Pearson will join Post Consumer Brands as president and CEO on April 1, succeeding Nicolas Catoggio, who assumed the role of Post Holdings’ EVP and COO in January. Pearson joins the Lakeville, Minnesota-based cereal company from Compana Pet Brands, a global pet care and nutrition company based in St. Louis, where he has served […]
J.M. Smucker Appoints Williams As CMO
The J.M. Smucker Co. has elected Katie Williams as CMO, effective March 9, bringing more than 20 years of brand-building experience to the Orrville, Ohio-based food company. Williams most recently served as U.S. chief marketing officer for Haleon, a multinational consumer health company, where she led commercial and brand strategy for a portfolio that includes […]
WGA President Popp Named 2026 Woman Of The Year At NGA Show
The National Grocers Association has named Kristin Popp, president of Women Grocers of America (WGA) and EVP of Woodman’s Food Markets, as the 2026 WGA Woman of the Year. Popp was honored during The NGA Show in Las Vegas. Established by the WGA Board of Directors in 1996, award recognizes women who exemplify leadership, passion […]
Rise Baking Co. Names McNeil As CEO
Rise Baking Co. has appointed Mark McNeil as CEO, succeeding Brian Zellmer, who led the Minneapolis-based manufacturer over the past five years. McNeil is a seasoned food and beverage executive with more than 30 years of cross-functional leadership experience across retail, foodservice and manufacturing. He most recently served as CEO of Shearer’s Foods, the largest […]
Festival Foods’ Munns Retiring, Whitney Promoted To Chief Merchant
Festival Foods shared two personnel moves Jan. 30, including the upcoming retirement of Randy Munns, EVP and COO, and the promotion of Adam Whitney to chief merchant. Munns will retire Feb. 13 after a 40-year career in the grocery industry, including 35 years with the Wisconsin-based chain. Munns joined Festival in 1991 as a third-shift […]
Grocery TV Adds 3 Execs As In-Store Retail Media Accelerates
Grocery TV has appointed Neil Murphy as SVP of retail partnerships, Steve Sapp as SVP of media partnerships and Chris Lee as chief technology officer, the New York-based in-store retail media platform announced Jan. 28. The leadership hires arrive as Grocery TV has grown its retailer-owned network 33 percent over the past year, to more […]
Albertsons Cos. Names Pinkham EVP, Chief HR Officer
Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons Companies has appointed Allison Pinkham EVP and chief human resources officer, effective Feb. 16. Pinkham brings more than 25 years of executive leadership and human resources experience to the retailer. She most recently served as chief human resources officer and executive committee member at Galderma, a global dermatology category leader. In that […]
FMI Honors 7 Leaders With 2026 Executive Leadership Awards
FMI – The Food Industry Association recognized seven industry leaders with its 2026 Executive Leadership Awards on Jan. 21 at the Midwinter Executive Conference in Chula Vista, California. The recipients represent Alex Lee, Inc.; Longo Brothers Fruit Markets Inc.; Market of Choice Inc.; Wakefern Food Corp.; The Clorox Company; Stater Bros. Markets; and Knowlan’s Super […]
GES Inc. Shares Promotions At Edwards Food Giant, Cash Saver
GES Inc., owner and operator of Edwards Food Giant and Edwards Cash Saver stores, has made key executive promotions as part of its leadership succession planning. Paul Rowton, previously EVP and CFO, has been promoted to president of Marianna, Arkansas-based GES Inc., while Gary Proffitt has been promoted to VP and COO. Steve Edwards will […]
Lidl U.S. CEO Rampoldt Steps Down, Giudici Named Interim Successor
Joel Rampoldt is no longer CEO of Lidl U.S., the discount grocery chain confirmed Jan. 22. Rampoldt, who held the position since 2023, is now serving as an advisor to the German-owned company, a spokesperson for the discounter said in an emailed statement. Marco Giudici, Lidl U.S.’s chief customer officer and former CEO of Lidl […]
3 Industry Leaders To Join 2026 Frozen Food Hall Of Fame
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania-based The National Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association (NFRA) and the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) have revealed the three industry leaders who will be inducted into the 2026 Frozen Food Hall of Fame. The inductees are Paul DiGenova, general manager of commodities with Nortera; Richard Marks, former chairman of the board of directors […]
The Raley’s Companies Names Barsotti As Chief Communications Officer
The Raley’s Companies has appointed Carol Barsotti as chief communications officer, expanding her leadership role within the organization. Barsotti will assume responsibility for public relations, government affairs and community impact as the West Sacramento, California-based retailer continues to focus on transformation and sustainable growth. Barsotti also is president of fieldTRUE, a farm-box subscription business, and […]
