Dive Brief:

• Giant Food announced Tuesday that Diane Hicks will be stepping into the role of senior vice president of operations, effective Sept. 12.
• Hicks will replace Irfan Badibanga, who had held the position since November 2020. Badibanga has left the company, a Giant spokesperson said.
• With the move, Hicks returns to Giant Food, where she previously spent 12 years leading teams across merchandising and operations.

Dive Insight:

Hicks has been working within the family of brands under Ahold Delhaize for 30 years, with her most recent position being vice president of operations at Stop & Shop. 

In taking over as senior vice president of operations for Giant Food, Hicks will be responsible for “providing strategic leadership in the development and execution of Giant’s critical growth drivers” as well as “driving a true selling culture and delivering an extraordinary associate and customer experience across the brand’s omnichannel operations,” according to Tuesday’s announcement. 

Hicks has held a number of management and leadership positions including assistant store manager, store manager, sales manager, human resources manager and district director.

“The entire Giant Food family is thrilled to welcome Diane back to our team," said Ira Kress, Giant Food’s president, in a statement. "She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in omnichannel store operations, and we look forward to the leadership and growth she will bring to the Giant Food brand in this role."

Hicks is the latest Giant Food executive who has moved over to the company from another Ahold Delhaize brand. Earlier this year, Giant Food named Brian Wanner, who previously served as director of talent and culture at The Giant Company, as its vice president of human resources.