Grocers made several key personnel moves in October, including WinCo Foods selecting a replacement for its president and CEO, who is retiring next year, and Shipt and Good Food Holdings each appointing new CEOs. The Fresh Market and Thrive Market also adjusted their executive ranks.
Here’s a look at notable grocery executive changes during October.
WinCo Foods names next leader
The grocery chain announced that Nathan Tucker will become president on Jan. 1, 2027, and assume the CEO position on May 1. Tucker, currently the grocer’s chief merchandising officer, will take over leadership of the chain from Grant Haag, who plans to retire next year after working for WinCo for more than four decades.
The Fresh Market appoints 2 top-level executives
The specialty grocer named Alyssa Vescio to the newly created role of chief commercial officer, giving her oversight of marketing, merchandising and commercial planning. Vescio formerly served as The Fresh Market’s chief merchandising officer. The retailer also named Marcio Ribeiro as its first-ever chief digital officer, a role in which he will oversee direct e-commerce, loyalty, the digital experience and information technology.
The Fresh Market said the changes are part of an effort to better align the specialty retailer’s operations with Cencosud, its parent company.
Shipt appoints CEO
The e-commerce company appointed Raj Kapoor as its CEO. Kapoor, who previously served as Shipt’s chief operating officer, returned to Shipt after serving as senior vice president of marketplace for Target, Shipt’s parent company.
Albertsons names new VP
The grocer’s retail media arm appointed Steve Shee as vice president of operations and strategy. A former Walmart executive, Shee will direct Albertsons Media Collective’s effort to accelerate growth.
Albertsons confirmed in early October that Brian Monahan, who had served as the head of the grocer’s retail media unit, left the company.
Sprouts’ chief technology officer leaves
Jim Bahrenburg stepped down as the specialty retailer’s first technology chief after serving in the position for three years. He will remain an advisor to Sprouts until early 2027.
Good Food Holdings names new CEO
The West Coast specialty grocery operator named Adam Caldecott as CEO. Caldecott, who moved up from president and chief operating officer, replaced Neil Stern, who retired after serving as CEO since 2020.
Thrive Market names 2 senior directors
The specialty e-grocer named Eric Kovalkoski as senior director of growth marketing, a role in which he will oversee the specialty e-grocer’s member acquisition strategy. Kovalkoski most recently worked in a growth-related role at online fashion and home decor retailer Poshmark.
Thrive Market also appointed Barron Kennedy as senior director of growth measurement and analytics.
Top Ahold Delhaize USA exec departs
Keith Nicks stepped down from his post as the supermarket operator’s chief commercial and digital officer after serving in the position for about a year. Nicks worked for ADUSA for 36 years.
