The grocery industry kicked off 2026 with a multitude of executive changes.
Lidl US announced in January its fifth chief executive change since the company arrived stateside more than a decade ago. The Save Mart Companies also promoted its president to CEO.
Walmart also announced last month a slew of C-suite and executive changes ahead of John Furner taking over as CEO.
Here’s a look at the grocery industry’s top executive changes for January.
Another Lidl US CEO departs
Joel Rampoldt, who had been chief executive of the grocer since 2023, is now serving as an advisor to the German-owned company, a spokesperson for the discounter said in an emailed statement in January. Marco Giudici, Lidl US’s chief customer officer and former CEO of Lidl Romania, will lead the discounter as interim CEO.
Rampoldt’s exit comes as Lidl struggles to find its footing in the U.S. grocery market nearly a decade after opening its first stateside stores. Experts said the former CEO made numerous changes that have made the chain a stronger competitor, like focusing more on fresh foods and building density in existing markets.
The Save Mart Companies names new CEO
Jim Perkins, The Save Mart Companies’ president since 2024, has taken on the role of CEO following the retirement of Shane Sampson, who led the grocery company since 2022.
The company said in a press release that it plans to open new locations, complete major remodels and expand merchandising assortment across all of its banners this year.
Walmart’s incoming CEO overhauls leadership
Walmart Inc.’s incoming CEO John Furner announced a C-suite shakeup that will take effect in February, including naming David Guggina, current chief e-commerce officer for Walmart U.S., as Furner’s successor as CEO of the company’s U.S. business.
Additionally, Walmart International CEO Kathryn McLay will exit the company. She will remain at Walmart through the first quarter to support a transition as Sam’s Club U.S. CEO Chris Nicholas steps into her role.
Seth Dallaire, chief growth officer for the company’s U.S. business, will take on the same title for Walmart Inc. Meanwhile, Latriece Watkins, chief merchandising officer for Walmart U.S., will become CEO of Sam’s Club U.S.
Kroger appoints new SVP of retail divisions
Kroger promoted Victor Smith, president of the company’s Atlanta Division, to the role of senior vice president of retail divisions, the grocer announced in mid-January in conjunction with several other executive changes.
The grocer also named Monica Garnes, president of its Fry’s Division, to replace Smith as president of the Atlanta Division. Ken DeLuca, a 38-year Kroger veteran who has served as president of the grocer’s Michigan Division since 2018, will replace Garnes as president of the Fry’s Division.
Kroger also said that Tom Schwilke, president of its Ralphs Division, and Colleen Juergensen, president of the Central Division, plan to retire. Kendra Doyel, who is currently president of the retailer’s Food 4 Less/Foods Co Division, will replace Schwilke. Kroger did not name a replacement for Juergensen.
Albertsons makes two executive changes
Mustafa Harcar announced on LinkedIn in late January that he will step into the role of group vice president of automation and transformation at Albertsons Companies. Harcar was previously vice president of supply chain automation for the company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
A few days prior, Albertsons announced that Allison Pinkham will join the company as executive vice president and chief human resources officer, effective Feb. 16.
Publix names new VP of marketing
Katie Scanlon, Publix’s senior director of pharmacy administration, was promoted to vice president of pharmacy, effective Feb. 1. Scanlon will replace Dain Rusk, who resigned from the company at the end of January to pursue another opportunity outside of grocery retail pharmacy.
Grocery Outlet welcomes new chief purchasing officer
The discounter announced EVP and Chief Purchasing Officer Steve Wilson will retire in late March after more than three decades with the company. Matt Delly, who joined Grocery Outlet last year as chief merchandising officer, will step into the role of chief merchandising and purchasing officer.
