Dive Brief:
- Albertsons announced Aug. 27 numerous executive changes as part of its revamped merchandising strategy, according to a company blog post.
- The grocery company is bringing its national and divisional merchandising teams closer together as well as finding ways to further its Customers for Life strategy, which centers on boosting omnichannel loyalty.
- This announcement marks the latest in a string of executive changes made at Albertsons this year.
Dive Insight:
Albertsons’ updated merchandising strategy aims to accelerate its Customers for Life strategy, putting further emphasis on value, personalization and convenience for its shoppers, the grocer said in the blog post.
Michelle Larson, the company’s newly appointed executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, will helm this strategy, which includes aligning Albertsons’ national and divisional merchandising teams. The grocery company noted this will ensure that it puts “the customer and associates at the center” when making merchandising decisions.
“[W]e are sharpening our customer value proposition to drive long-term growth faster than the market,” Larson said in a statement.
Larson has experience in Albertsons’ Shaw’s and Southwest Divisions, most recently holding the title of executive vice president of operations West.
Under her leadership, Albertsons will take a closer look at its pricing investments, services, fresh category, private label lines and micro market merchandising.
Albertsons said it has already seen a positive response to lowering prices across its Shaw’s, Southwest and Seattle divisions as well as initiating more promotions and national sales events. The grocer plans to continue rolling out similar tactics across other markets later this year.
Albertsons will also continue to invest in services such as pharmacies and e-commerce capabilities to attract new customers. Albertsons noted that its Own Brands portfolio is now under the new leadership of Jack Pestello, who took on the role in May, per his LinkedIn profile.
The company will also tailor its product assortment to local communities through more personalized experiences, per the blog post.
Other key leadership appointments part of its merchandising operations revamp include promoting Mark Laryea, who was president of the Jewel-Osco division, to president of merchandising to oversee the comprehensive merchandising strategy to improve overall performance. Laryea will report to Larson.
Meanwhile, Thomas Lofland, the current president of Albertsons’ Mid-Atlantic Division, will succeed Laryea. Sean Thompston, the company’s SVP of retail, will step into the role Lofland vacates.
Albertsons has named several new top executives throughout 2025. Most notably, Susan Morris became its new CEO on May 1. In July, Albertsons named Brian Monahan as its new SVP of retail media following the departure of Kristi Argyilan in December.
At the start of this year, Albertsons confirmed the combination of its Intermountain and Denver divisions into a new division named the Mountain West Division. This was done in an effort to “operate in new and innovative ways,” an Albertsons spokesperson said in a statement at the time.
