After more than three decades of dedicated service, Meg Ham, the president of Food Lion, has announced her retirement, slated for May 2, 2025. This decision marks a significant transition for one of the notable leaders in the grocery industry, as she has guided Food Lion through a dynamic era of growth and evolution.
During her tenure, which spans over 35 years, Ham has played an instrumental role in the strategic development of Food Lion. She has been at the helm of the company for over a decade, witnessing its substantial progress. Under her leadership, Food Lion emphasized a commitment to customer service and convenience—cornerstones of the brand’s legacy. The substantial growth achieved by the chain during this time is a testament to her effective leadership strategies in the competitive grocery sector.
JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, expressed deep appreciation for Ham’s contributions. “Meg has been an outstanding leader at Ahold Delhaize USA and has led Food Lion during one of the brand’s most exciting times,” Fleeman remarked. “She has helped to reposition the brand to better serve its customers while remaining true to its core attributes of low prices and convenient locations.”
One of the compelling highlights of Ham’s leadership has been the Food Lion Feeds hunger relief platform. The brand is on track to deliver 1.5 billion meals by 2025 through this initiative, significantly impacting the communities it serves. This commitment underscores Food Lion’s dedication to social responsibility, a message that resonates well with today’s conscientious consumers. Many brands today are recognizing that consumers increasingly prefer to engage with businesses that demonstrate a commitment to social good, and Ham has ensured that Food Lion is positioned prominently in that arena.
In her own words, Ham stated, “While I am looking forward to retirement, Food Lion and Hannaford have been places that I have called home for more than 35 years. I am incredibly grateful to the associates, who I have had the opportunity to work alongside every day.” This sentiment brings forth the human element of leadership—recognizing the value of teams and building strong workplace cultures. The leadership approach Ham exemplifies can serve as a model for other executives within the retail space, reflecting how appreciation enhances employee morale and productivity.
Food Lion operates over 1,100 stores across ten states in the southeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions, employing more than 82,000 associates. As the supermarket industry navigates challenges such as e-commerce growth, shifting consumer preferences, and economic pressures, Ham’s departure comes as a pivotal moment for the organization. The announcement of her successor, expected by the year’s end, will be crucial for maintaining the momentum of food retail growth that has defined Ham’s tenure.
Ahold Delhaize USA, Food Lion’s parent company, ranks as the 11th largest food retailer in North America according to Progressive Grocer’s 2024 PG 100 list. Additionally, the organization has been recognized as one of the “Retailers of the Century” and named one of the “10 Most Sustainable Grocers.” These accolades showcase the company’s strong positioning and commitment to sustainability—attributes that will be essential for the new leader to continue to champion.
As we reflect on Meg Ham’s lasting impact on Food Lion, her emphasis on developing robust customer and associate experiences serves as a guidepost for future leadership. In a rapidly evolving retail landscape, the focus on building community ties and delivering value will remain integral to driving success.
As the grocery sector faces new challenges and competitors continue to innovate, the legacy of leaders like Meg Ham reinforces the importance of strategic vision, operational excellence, and community focus as the foundation for sustainable growth in the years ahead.
Meg Ham’s retirement will be not just an end but a transition into the next chapter for both her and for Food Lion. Anticipation builds around who will step into her shoes to continue this legacy of service, growth, and community commitment.