Donna Tweeten, former president of Hy-Vee and the first woman in the chain’s over 90-year history to hold that role, has died, the grocery chain confirmed on LinkedIn. She died on April 8, Hy-Vee said in a post on Mass Market Retailers.
Tweeten joined the Midwestern grocery chain in 2006 as assistant vice president of communications and went on to serve in nearly a dozen leadership positions, including vice president of brand image, vice president of marketing/communications and chief marketing officer. She became the chain’s president in 2022 and retired in January 2025.
During her tenure, Hy-Vee doubled in size, the grocer said when announcing Tweeten’s retirement. She also helped Hy-Vee become the first retailer to sign contracts with basketball star Caitlin Clark, as well as sign major partnerships with other influential athletes including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Shawn Johnson East, Hy-Vee said in the Thursday announcement. She also was at the helm when Hy-Vee launched RedMedia, its in-house retail media network.
Prior to Hy-Vee, Tweeten worked in advertising at firms Anderson Communications and Davis Harrison Dion-Chicago. She also served as president and chief creative officer of The Meyocks Group, one of Hy-Vee’s marketing partners.
After her retirement, Tweeten was a consultant for Hy-Vee up until her death, the grocer said.
“We are simply heartbroken by the sudden loss of Donna Tweeten. Not only was Donna a trailblazer across Hy-Vee and the retail industry, she was a true friend and mentor to many, myself included,” Hy-Vee CEO and chairman Jeremy Gosch wrote in a LinkedIn post. “Donna leaves behind a lasting legacy and will forever be remembered for her bold ideas, creative passion and commitment to excellence.”
Her death came shortly after she received a diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, Hy-Vee said.
Tweeten’s survivors include her husband Alan and their five children — Carlie, Nick, Ben, Max and Ella — as well as their grandchildren.
