May was a busy month for grocery industry executives as several companies, including Lidl US, Allegiance Retail Services and Ahold Delhaize, announced plans for new CEOs.
Less than six months into Greg Foran’s tenure as Kroger’s new CEO, the grocer saw a trio of executive changes last month, including the announced retirements for leaders of its human resources and retail divisions.
Here’s a look at some of the most significant executive-level changes that took place in the grocery industry in May.
Lidl US names a new CEO — again
Lidl US named Alan Barry, currently the grocer’s chief operating officer, to serve as its next CEO, marking the latest turn in a revolving door for the top leadership position at the German discounter’s stateside division. Barry, a former Lidl executive in Ireland and Great Britain, will start his new role in July.
Allegiance Retail Services welcomes new CEO
Allegiance Retail Services named Jason Ferreira as its new CEO, noting that his appointment is part of the co-op board’s succession development plan. Ferreira has served on Allegiance’s board since 2021 and has been a co-op member since 2013.
Ahold Delhaize sees leadership shuffle
The grocery conglomerate announced that Frans Muller will retire from the company in 2027 and that its board nominated Thierry Garnier as his successor. Garnier, CEO of international home improvement company Kingfisher, is expected to step into the leadership role in April 2027, around the company’s annual general meeting of shareholders.
The company’s U.S. division named Vipin Gopal as its chief data and artificial intelligence officer. Gopal brings more than 25 years of experience leading large-scale digital, data and AI transformations.
King Kullen promotes three executives
The Long Island supermarket chain moved Frank Vassallo up to the position of senior vice president of store operations — a role in which he will oversee departments including perishables, pharmacy and security as well as store reset personnel.
King Kullen also promoted Chris La Bella to senior director of merchandising and project management and Andrew Wasserman to director of center store merchandising and procurement.
Publix says goodbye to chairman
Todd Jones retired at the end of May after a 46-year career at the Florida-based grocery chain. Jones became president of the chain in 2008, added CEO to his title in 2016 and was named executive chairman in 2024. His career at Publix began in 1980, when he became a front-service clerk at a store in New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Northgate González Market makes C-suite hire
The grocer announced on LinkedIn that it tapped Marina Filippelli as its chief marketing and branding officer, effective May 26. Filippelli brings more than 25 years of experience leading culturally driven marketing strategies for major brands, including Honda, Ford and Kaiser Permanente.
“Marina brings a deep understanding of the Hispanic community, strategic brand leadership, and a passion for authentic storytelling,” the grocer wrote on LinkedIn.
Kroger sees top executives leave
Kroger is losing several long-time, high-level executives. Jamie Lancaster, an 18-year company veteran, announced his departure from Kroger on LinkedIn. Lancaster had been Kroger’s global vice president of the Kroger Capability Center, a newer initiative focused on increasing productivity, for the past year.
The grocer announced two retirements. Chief Associate Experience Officer Tim Massa, a 16-year company veteran, plans to retire on Sept. 18, while Valerie Jabbar, a nearly 40-year company veteran, retired in May from her position as senior vice president of retail divisions.
