July was a busy month for executive changeover with Ahold Delhaize and Aldi US welcoming executives to their C-Suites.
The month also saw top-level executive departures at United Natural Foods, Inc., Instacart and Heritage Grocers.
Here’s a roundup of top-level executive shifts that unfolded in July.
Albertsons names new retail media head
The grocer appointed Brian Monahan as head of Albertsons Media Collective, succeeding Kristi Argyilan, who left in December. Monahan joined Albertsons from global marketing and communications company Dentsu. Monahan’s appointment is part of Albertsons’ plans to advance its “Customers for Life” strategy, which emphasizes deeper relationships with consumers no matter where they shop, and accelerate the growth of its retail media arm.
Top retail executive exits UNFI
UNFI parted ways with Andre Persaud, who served as president and CEO of the company’s retail division.
UNFI did not provide details about the departure of Persaud, who joined in November 2023, saying only that he left in connection with the company’s “continued work to accelerate its retail business strategy” and that he is entitled to severance benefits. Persaud’s exit comes as UNFI’s retail division struggled to achieve quarterly sales growth.
Walmart taps Instacart executive for leading AI role
Walmart tapped Daniel Danker from Instacart to be the retailer’s executive vice president of AI acceleration, product and design. Danker, who most recently served as chief product officer at Instacart, will “accelerate [Walmart’s] AI transformation and lead all product management and design across the enterprise,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon shared on LinkedIn.
Danker spent just over four years at Instacart, during which the company launched a bevy of consumer experience innovations. Danker’s exit marks the latest C-suite change for the grocery technology company this year, including promoting Chris Rogers to CEO and appointing Lisa Blackwood-Kapral as its chief accounting officer and principal accounting officer.
Aldi US unveils new COO
With Atty McGrath set to become CEO of Aldi US, the discount grocer announced longtime executive Karla Waddleton will replace McGrath as chief operating officer. Waddleton said on LinkedIn that she started with Aldi more than 20 years ago as a district manager in St. Louis. She rose through the ranks, becoming director of real estate and development in 2006, director of store operations in 2012 and vice president in 2014, according to her LinkedIn profile.
With McGrath’s and Waddleton’s appointments, Aldi’s leadership team in the U.S. will have company veterans who have each been with the discount grocer for over two decades.
Ahold Delhaize names new CTO
Ahold Delhaize said it appointed Jan Brecht as CTO, replacing Ben Wishart. Brecht, who will also become a member of the company’s executive committee, will join Sept. 26 and lead the company’s technology function, overseeing enterprise tech strategy, digital innovation and cybersecurity.
Brecht brings extensive experience from several industries, including serving as chief digital information officer at Nissan, CIO of Mercedes-Benz and as CIO and head of global supply chain at Adidas.
Heritage Grocers’ CEO departs
The grocery company, which oversees several Hispanic chains, is looking for a new leader now that Suzy Monford has stepped down as board chair and CEO to “pursue other opportunities.”
During Monford’s roughly nine months at the helm, Heritage made numerous executive appointments, including naming a new CFO, and strategic adjustments to help the company grow and evolve.
Heritage named David Hirz, who most recently served as president and CEO of Smart & Final, as chair of the company board. The company also created an Office of the CEO, made up of senior leaders, to guide the company as it searches for a replacement.
Associated Grocers of New England names a new COO
Russ Greenlaw shared on LinkedIn that he started as COO at the New England retailers’ cooperative, which serves independent grocery stores and convenience stores. Greenlaw previously served as executive vice president of sales, marketing and technology, and senior vice president of sales for the company, according to his LinkedIn profile.
