Ahold Delhaize USA has recently unveiled the change in leadership at two of its U.S. brands. Stop & Shop President Mark McGowan has decided to leave at the end of the year and Giant Food President Gordon Reid will enter the role in late July.
“It’s been an honor and privilege to lead the Stop & Shop brand,” said McGowan. “I’m grateful for our associates who are incredibly dedicated to serving our customers every day, and I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished together. As Stop & Shop embarks on the next phase of its transformation, now is the right time for me to make this change. I look forward to working closely with Gordon and the entire team to ensure a seamless transition.”
According to a press release, the decision for McGowan to stay with Stop & Shop through the end of the year is to ensure a calm transition at the company’s request. Reid will start the process into the new role in the upcoming weeks as he officially accepts the role in late July. Ira Kress, SVP of Operations for Giant Food, has been made interim President of Giant Food.
“Mark McGowan has had a tremendous impact for the Ahold Delhaize USA brands, as well as the communities they serve, and we thank him for his 30 years of tireless service,” said Kevin Holt, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. “Under his leadership, Stop & Shop has built a strong foundation for transformation and expanded success that continues through our ‘Reimagine Stop & Shop’ initiative. As Mark transitions, I have full confidence that Gordon Reid is the right leader to continue this transformation by repositioning the business for future success and rebuilding customer loyalty.”
Reid joined Giant Food in 2013 and serves as President of Giant Food currently, which has 165 stores in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Having served in a great deal of management roles at Boots, A.S. Watson Group, and The Dairy Farm Group before joining Giant Food, Reid has more than 35 years of international retail experience. He also serves as a member of the USO Washington-Baltimore Executive Board, Capital Area Food Bank Board and is a member of the Partnership for a Healthier America.
Reid attended Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland, at which he obtained his Bachelor’s of Science in Pharmacy and then went to Nottingham University Business School and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration.
“We are excited for Gordon to join the Stop & Shop brand,” said Holt. “Gordon is an excellent leader of people, with a strong focus on serving customers, engaging associates, and supporting local communities. During his time at Giant Food, the brand has successfully grown sales and market share and has strong associate engagement results.”
For updates on Ahold Delhaize USA’s new leadership, tune back in with Deli Market News.
