Grocers were particularly busy making executive changes in June, as numerous companies named new CEOs and others made adjustments to their executive teams.
Among the biggest announcements was Ahold Delhaize’s disclosure that it has nominated former Amazon grocer executive Claire Peters to serve as CEO of its U.S. business. Changes last month also included the appointment of the first female president of Long Island grocery chain King Kullen and the naming of a new vice president of sales and merchandising for fresh by Stater Bros. Markets.
The following is a look at some of the most significant executive-level changes in the grocery sector in June.
Ahold Delhaize names a new U.S. CEO
The stateside unit of the Dutch supermarket chain named Claire Peters, who most recently served as Amazon’s vice president for worldwide fresh, to be its next CEO. Peters previously worked for Australian grocer Woolworths Group and held several roles at Tesco in the U.K. and Thailand. She is set to replace JJ Fleeman, who stepped down last month and will become CEO of Dollar General in 2027.
Ahold Delhaize also announced in June that it has nominated Edmond Mesrobian, who has held technology-focused roles at multiple companies, to its supervisory board. Mesrobian’s experience includes serving as chief technology and information officer of Nordstrom and chief technology officer of U.K. grocer Tesco.
Kroger’s chairman is no longer an employee
Kroger stated in a regulatory filing that Ron Sargent, who served as interim CEO until February, is no longer an employee as of July 1. Sargent will remain chairman of the grocer’s board in a non-executive capacity.
King Kullen appoints a new president and COO
The Long Island supermarket chain announced that Tracey Cullen, great-granddaughter of its founder, has become the chain’s president and chief operating officer. Cullen, who is replacing the retiring Joseph W. Brown in both roles, is the first female to serve as president of King Kullen.
Woodman’s names new CEO, president
Woodman’s Food Markets announced that it has appointed Clint Woodman as CEO and Kristin Popp as president. Both executives have been with the chain for about 30 years.
Stater Bros brings on former H-E-B veteran for VP role
The Southern California grocer named Bruce Robinson, who spent 40 years working for Texas grocer H-E-B, as vice president of sales and merchandising for fresh. Robinson’s appointment is among several top executive changes at Stater Bros. since the grocer named a new CEO last September.
Grocery Outlet makes two top-level executive changes
The discounter appointed Paul Miller as chief purchasing and merchandising officer and promoted Ian Ferry to CFO. Christopher Miller, who served as the discounter’s CFO since the start of 2025, and Matthew Delly, who worked as chief merchandising and purchasing officer since early 2026, both departed the company last month.
Gelson’s Markets appoints new leader
Gelson’s Markets tapped Koichi Toyo, who has worked for parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings for more than 20 years, as its president and CEO. Toyo replaces Ryan Adams, who had led the company since April 2024.
Vallarta names chief of stores
The Hispanic grocery store operator appointed longtime employee Jose Manuel Cordero as chief of stores. Cordero has worked for the retailer for his entire 35-year career.
1939 Group appoints a new CFO
The family holding company of grocery chains including Schnuck Markets and Festival Foods named Todd Schnuck Jr. as CFO. Schnuck, formerly vice president of own brands and merchandising chief of staff for Schnucks, took over for David Bell following Bell’s transition to president of the 1939 Group in 2025.
Sam’s Club’s chief experience officer leaves
Diana Marshall, chief experience officer for Walmart-owned club retailer Sam’s Club, is leaving the company after more than two decades with the retailer. Her departure is the latest in a series of leadership changes at Walmart since John Furner became CEO earlier this year.
