As grocers prepare for 2024, many are looking ahead with fresh leadership at the top.
A host of retailers named new CEOs this year — including some that abruptly forced out their chief executives as they sought to change course.
Giant Eagle grabbed headlines in March when it severed ties with longtime CEO Laura Shapira Karet, whose departure marked the end of her family’s representation in the executive ranks of a company it co-founded almost a century ago. Dollar General, meanwhile, fired its CEO, Jeffery Owen, in October less than a year after he took over the position, replacing him with predecessor Todd Vasos “to restore stability and confidence” in the discounter.
Other companies went through less disruptive top-level transitions in 2023. In March, Cardenas Markets promoted Eric Stover to take over the CEO’s role from Doug Sanders, who moved up to become chairman and CEO of the ethnic grocer’s parent company. Similarly, California supermarket operator Gelson’s gained a new CEO when John Bagan ascended to the top job after serving as president.
Some of the nation’s largest retailers will get new CEOs as the new year gets underway. Publix in November promoted its president, Kevin Murphy, to become its next CEO, while Ron Vachris will become CEO of Costco as the club retailer carries out a carefully crafted succession plan. Murphy and Vachris are both set to take over their new jobs on Jan. 1, 2024.
Here’s a look back at some of the top CEO changes announced in 2023.grocerydive
Giant Eagle names new CEO
Aug. 29, 2023
The grocery chain named Bill Artman, who has served as interim CEO since March, to the top spot and also promoted several other executives in divisions like finance, supply chain and marketing.
Publix names Kevin Murphy as next CEO
Nov. 20, 2023
Murphy will replace current CEO Todd Jones, who is slated to become the grocer’s executive chairman, on Jan. 1.
Dollar General CEO out after less than a year
Oct. 13, 2023
The discount retailer said it fired Jeffery Owen “to restore stability and confidence” in the company and named former CEO Todd Vasos to take over the top job.
Save A Lot makes interim CEO its permanent leader
Dec. 13, 2023
Fred Boehler is filling the top role after initially stepping in on a temporary basis after Leon Bergmann left the company at the end of October.
Costco names Ron Vachris as CEO
Oct. 19, 2023
Vachris, a veteran company executive who currently serves as president and chief operating officer of the club retailer, will take over the top job from Craig Jelinek on Jan. 1.
Lidl US to name yet another new CEO, report says
July 24, 2023
In a highly unusual move for the discounter, Lidl will name U.S. consultant Joel Rampoldt to the top spot in the coming weeks, according to German business publication Lebensmittel Zeitung.
Cardenas Markets names new CEO
March 22, 2023
Eric Stover, who joined the grocery company three years ago and most recently served as chief merchandising officer, assumes the role previously held by Doug Sanders.
Dom’s Kitchen & Market appoints sole CEO
Sept. 8, 2023
Don Fitzgerald, who has served as co-CEO since 2021, has fully stepped into the Chicago grocery company’s top role.
Gelson’s names new CEO, makes other key title changes
Feb. 1, 2023
John Bagan, who has been the Southern California grocery chain’s president since last July, will take over the top role from Rob McDougall, who is retiring after 15 years with the company.
