July saw a flurry of top executive changes at major grocery companies. Arguably the biggest announcement was Albertsons revealing the day it released its first-quarter earnings that President and CFO Sharon McCollam plans to retire later this year.
Here’s a look at some of the most significant executive-level changes in the grocery sector in July.
Kroger taps former McDonald’s executive as chief people officer
The grocer named Emilee De Martino, who most recently served as McDonald’s Corp.’s senior vice president and chief people officer for international operated markets, as its new executive vice president and chief people officer.
De Martino succeeds Tim Massa, who is retiring in mid-September after 16 years at Kroger.
Albertsons is seeking a new president and CFO
McCollam, who plans to retire later this year, will remain in her role until the grocer names a successor, the company said. Afterward, she will serve in an advisory role with the grocer until its fiscal year ends on Feb. 27, 2027.
CEO Susan Morris told investors in July that Albertsons is looking inside and outside the company for McCollam’s successor.
UNFI shakes up its C-suite
As part of a restructuring, United Natural Foods, Inc. announced several changes to its C-suite.
The distributor promoted Giorgio “Matteo” Tarditi, the company’s president and chief financial officer, to president and chief operating officer, and said that Louis Martin, chief commercial officer and president of conventional grocery products, will serve only in the former role. It also hired Alfredo Luchini from Carrier Climate Solutions Americas to serve as CFO. The three new roles take effect in early August, and each individual will report to CEO Sandy Douglas.
Mark Bushway, chief supply chain officer and president of natural, organic, specialty and fresh products, will leave the company on Jan. 1, 2027.
Raley’s names new marketing head as part of trio of promotions
The Raley’s Companies named Carol Barsotti, who joined the grocer seven months ago as its chief communications officer, as its chief marketing officer. The regional grocer said that the naming of a chief marketing officer marks a new executive structure that brings marketing together with its communications, government affairs and community impact.
The company also promoted Natalie Slatter to senior vice president of enterprise operations and Levi Wingo to senior vice president of sales and merchandising strategy.
AWG taps new CFO
Associated Wholesaler Grocers hired Kelly Kauffman as its new chief financial officer, effective July 20. Kauffman, who previously held financial leadership roles at BJ’s Wholesale Club and Whole Foods Market, succeeded company veteran Gary Koch, who is retiring at the end of 2026 after more than three decades with AWG.
Allegiance names new president and COO
Allegiance Retail Services promoted Samer Rahman to president and chief operating officer.
Rahman, who previously served as the company’s executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, has over a dozen years of experience at the retailer-owned marketing and merchandising co-op.
Jewel-Osco’s president retires
Thomas Lofland, who headed the banner for less than a year, recently retired, Albertsons confirmed to Grocery Dive. Lofland worked at Albertsons for more than 35 years.
Walmart U.S.’s COO leaves
Kieran Shanahan has decided to leave the role of chief operating officer for Walmart’s U.S. business. She will stay on through the end of the fiscal year in an advisory role to Walmart U.S. CEO David Guggina, according to an internal company memo shared with sister site Retail Dive.
The retailer appointed Kyle Kinnard, who has over 25 years with Walmart and most recently served as COO for Walmart International, as Shanahan’s successor, effective immediately.
