Grocers announced a slew of key executive changes in January, including Grocery Outlet announced in January it nabbed Jason Potter, The Fresh Market’s former chief, to be its next president and CEO. The specialty chain immediately unveiled that Brian Johnson, an executive with the company for nearly five years, would take over as Potter’s successor, with those changes taking effect Monday.
Other changes included executive changes due to United Natural Foods Inc.’s restructuring plan. Plus Whole Foods’ CEO will additionally take over the helm of Amazon’s entire grocery retail operation.
Here’s a roundup of notable executive shifts that kicked off 2025.
1. Grocery Outlet taps specialty grocer’s chief to be next president and CEO
The Fresh Market’s CEO Jason Potter will join Grocery Outlet as the discounter’s president and CEO effective Feb. 3.
Potter steps into the roles following the sudden departure of RJ Sheedy in October. Eric J. Lindberg, Jr., the board’s chairman and a former CEO of the company, led the company on an interim basis during the executive search and will continue to serve on the board after Potter’s arrival.
2. The Fresh Market names new president and CEO
The Fresh Market named Brian Johnson as Potter’s successor, also effective Feb. 3.
Johnson joined the specialty grocer in 2020 and prior to that served as division vice president at Brookshire Grocery Company in Texas. As the leader of The Fresh Market, he will help the company break into new regions, including the East Coast and Midwest.
3. Whole Foods CEO to helm Amazon’s entire grocery business
Amazon appointed Whole Foods Market CEO Jason Buechel as its new vice president for worldwide grocery stores. Buechel is taking the helm of Amazon’s entire grocery retail business while remaining as Whole Foods’ CEO.
The appointment follows the departure of former Amazon grocery leader Tony Hoggett, who announced on LinkedIn in October that he is departing from the company.
Claire Peters, the leader of Amazon Fresh, Amazon Go and Grocery Partnerships, will remain in her role, as will Anand Varadarajan, head of product and technology for the worldwide grocery stores unit, according to the company. Both executives will report to Buechel.
4. Raley’s numerous executive changes
In the span of three days, The Raley’s Companies announced four executive changes.
Two new leadership appointments are meant to fuel the company's strategic vision and growth. Jen Warner will be Raley’s first chief growth and transformation officer. Meanwhile, Levi Wingo was promoted to senior vice president of product and merchandising innovation.
Raley’s also named Paul Gianetto, who has served as senior vice president of merchandising and sales for the past seven years, as president of Raley’s Operating Division and promoted Natalie Slatter to vice president of store operations for the Raley’s unit.
5. Hy-Vee appoints CMO, retail media president
In the wake of the retirement of long-time Hy-Vee President Donna Tweeten, the regional grocer named Kathryn Mazza president of its retail media network as well as senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Hy-Vee.
By stepping into these roles, Mazza will help the grocer streamline marketing efforts related to retail media growth and messaging, Hy-Vee said.
6. UNFI’s restructuring and executive shifts
UNFI announced last month it is restructuring its commercial wholesale business into two “product-centered” divisions: one to focus on conventional grocery products and the other on natural, organic, specialty and fresh products.
As a result of this change, Louis Martin, UNFI’s wholesale president, will become chief commercial officer and president of conventional grocery products. Mark Bushway, the company’s chief supply chain officer, will take on the role of president of the wholesale division for natural, organic, specialty and fresh products.
7. Target named 3 new C-suite executives
The retailer’s newly appointed leaders will oversee store and digital teams. Target’s Chief Stores Officer Mark Schindele is retiring after 25 years with the company and Adrienne Costanzo, currently the retailer’s senior vice president of store operations, will replace him.
In addition, Brett Craig, Target’s chief information officer is leaving. Prat Vemana, chief digital and product officer will succeed Craig and take on the role of product officer.
Finally, Target’s Head of Social Commerce and media arm Roundel Sarah Travis will be stepping into the role of chief digital and revenue officer
