April was a busy month for regional grocers on the executive appointment front. Market Basket closed out the month by naming a new president amidst ongoing family drama that culminated in the ouster of its former CEO last year.
Alabama regional grocer Fresh Value’s CEO announced his plans to depart while Virginia-based Food City appointed a new CFO.
Here’s a look at some of the most significant executive-level changes that took place in the grocery industry in March.
Market Basket names new president
The New England chain named Chuck Casassa, a 50-year veteran of the New England supermarket chain, as its president late last month. Donald T. Mulligan, who served as interim CEO for about seven months, is retiring but will remain as an advisor to the company, Market Basket said.
The leadership changes come during a tumultuous period for Market Basket, which ousted former CEO Arthur T. Demoulas last year amid a family feud over the management of the company.
Fresh Value CEO departs
Terry Stanley, CEO of regional grocer Fresh Value, confirmed with Grocery Dive in late April that he plans to leave the company on May 2.
Stanley said he will be succeeded by Shane Holliday, Fresh Value’s vice president of operations, who joined the Alabama-based grocery company last year.
Food City undergoes financial executive shuffle
The regional grocer announced the promotion of Paul Cox to senior vice president and CFO in early April.
As CFO, Cox will direct all finance, accounting and information technology services-related functions for the company. He will also become a member of the company’s board of directors.
Cox is taking over as finance chief from Eddie Neely, who is retiring after serving as CFO since early 2021. Succeeding Cox as vice president of finance is Sarah Baldwin, Food City’s director of finance and planning.
AWG appoints new COO
Associated Wholesale Grocers during the first week of April named Joe Kelley as chief operating officer, effective Monday.
Kelley, who served most recently as senior vice president of retail divisions for Kroger, will oversee merchandising, procurement, distribution, sales, marketing and division support center operations for AWG.
Kelley’s responsibilities reflect the company’s effort to advance a strategic plan it designed to boost growth and productivity while also serving members better, AWG said in a press release.
BJ’s taps former Sam’s Club exec
BJ’s Wholesale Club named Stephanie Reibling executive vice president and chief merchandising officer early last month. The club retailer said she will play a key role in its merchandising transformation and category growth efforts.
Most recently, Reibling worked for her own strategy consulting firm for about a year, according to her LinkedIn profile. Prior to that, she served as senior vice president and general merchandise manager of home, apparel, tires and seasonal goods at Sam’s Club. Reibling was at the BJ’s rival for nearly five years.
