Top Grocery Executives Change Jobs in July

Major grocery chains announced a wave of executive leadership changes in July, shifting leadership at the top of companies ranging from Albertsons to Walmart. The grocer Albertsons revealed during its first-quarter earnings release that President and CFO Sharon McCollam plans to retire later this year. The company stated she will remain in her role until a successor is named and will then serve in an advisory capacity until the company’s fiscal year ends on Feb. 27, 2027. CEO Susan Morris told investors the company is conducting a search both internally and externally to fill the vacancy. Albertsons’ Performance Highlights four key takeaways regarding the stability of its senior ranks during this transition.

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) announced several shifts to its C-suite, including the promotion of Giorgio “Matteo” Tarditi to president and chief operating officer. The distributor also appointed Alfredo Luchini, formerly of Carrier Climate Solutions Americas, as its new CFO, effective early August. The company noted that Louis Martin will retain his title as chief commercial officer but will not serve as president, while Mark Bushway will step down from his supply chain role on Jan. 1, 2027.

Meanwhile, The Raley’s Companies promoted Carol Barsotti to chief marketing officer, a move the regional grocer described as part of a new structure combining marketing with its communications, government affairs, and community impact teams. The company also raised Natalie Slatter to senior vice president of enterprise operations and Levi Wingo to senior vice president of sales and merchandandising strategy.

Allegiance Retail Services promoted Samer Rahman to president and chief operating officer, raising him from his previous role as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. Rahman brings over a decade of experience to the position. The company confirmed that Thomas Lofland, who headed the banner for less than a year, recently retired after more than 35 years with Albertsons.

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Appointments at Kroger, AWG, and Walmart

Kroger named Emilee De Martino, most recently serving as McDonald’s Corp.’s senior vice president and chief people officer for international operated markets, as its new executive vice president and chief people officer. De Martino succeeds Tim Massa, who is retiring in mid-September after 16 years with the company.

Associated Wholesaler Grocers (AWG) hired Kelly Kauffman as its new CFO, effective July 20. Kauffman, who previously held financial leadership roles at BJ’s Wholesale Club and Whole Foods Market, succeeded company veteran Gary Koch, who is retiring at the end of 2026 after more than three decades with AWG.

Walmart U.S. named Kyle Kinnard as its new chief operating officer, effective immediately. Kinnard, who has over 25 years with the retailer, previously served as COO for Walmart International. Kieran Shanahan, who had served as COO for the U.S. business, will stay on through the end of the fiscal year in an advisory role to Walmart U.S. CEO David Guggina.

Walmart U.S. named Kyle Kinnard as its new chief operating officer, effective immediately. Kinnard, who has over 25 years with the retailer, previously served as COO for Walmart International. Kieran Shanahan, who had served as COO for the U.S. business, will stay on through the end of the fiscal year in an advisory role to Walmart U.S. CEO David Guggina.