Dive Brief:
- H-E-B President Scott McClelland is retiring after 31 years with the company, according to several local news reports. McClelland confirmed the news on Twitter.
- Prior to becoming the president in mid-2017, McClelland served as president of the grocer's Houston division and held a number of marketing and operations roles. H-E-B did not respond to an inquiry from Grocery Dive on McClelland's retirement.
- “I am stepping down as president of H-E-B Food and Drug and am working part-time in 2022 to assist with H-E-B’s entry into Dallas,” McClelland told Houston NBC news station KPRC 2, which said he is slated to exit the company on Dec. 31.
Dive Insight:
While at the helm of the 116-year-old grocery chain, McClelland has focused on growing its market share by opening larger stores with a focus on low prices, local products and a curated assortment, per his bio for the Greater Houston Partnership, where he is on the board of directors.
Over the last two years, he has navigated the challenges of running the grocery company during the pandemic and its resulting labor challenges, supply chain issues and safety concerns. H-E-B has received praise for its response to the health crisis, and the company has continued its reputation for innovation, from launching a delivery service for seniors to investing in livestreaming.
The chain is frequently recognized for its intense customer loyalty and was included last year as a top leader in e-commerce experience among grocers and restaurants in a national study by research firm Ipsos.
McClelland began his career at H-E-B in 1990 when he was hired as regional vice president in central Texas. During his time at the company, he has served as chief merchant and held several marketing roles. With his numerous TV commercial appearances alongside local celebrities, McClelland has become known as the "H-E-B guy" and face of the grocery chain.
Before joining H-E-B, McClelland worked at PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division for 10 years.
"31 years has been a terrific career at HEB. Enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve been blessed to have worked with so many great people and meet so many wonderful Texans," McClelland tweeted on Wednesday, sharing a CultureMap Houston column about his retirement.
Until his retirement, McClelland will help advise the grocery chain on the expansion of its flagship banner to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, which is currently served by its Central Market banner.
KPRC reported McClelland will serve on the H-E-B Executive Committee, citing a statement from Craig Boyan, president of H-E-B.
Boyan also said McClelland's retirement has prompted changes in leadership structure. Armando Perez, executive vice president of Houston Food and Drug stores; Bill Anderson, executive vice president of San Antonio Food and Drug stores; and Juan-Carlos Rück, executive vice president of North West Food and Drug stores, will now report directly to Boyan.
