In a significant leadership move, Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has appointed Suzy Monford as its new chair and CEO. Monford’s extensive career spans over 25 years in the grocery and retail industry, making her a well-suited candidate to lead HGG during a period of growth and transformation.
Monford is recognized as a two-time winner of Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery awards. Before joining HGG, she was the CEO of Food Sport International, a global consulting firm based in Seattle, which she founded after her successful tenure as the CEO of PCC Community Markets in Washington. At PCC, she is credited for cultivating a member base that exceeded 100,000 customers, showcasing her ability to drive customer loyalty and engagement.
The board members of HGG expressed their confidence in Monford’s diverse background, which includes leadership roles such as Group Vice President at The Kroger Co. and CEO of Andronico’s Community Markets. Her foundational experiences in foodservice, bakery, deli, and cheese are complemented by her economics degree from The University of Texas at Austin.
HGG’s board, supported by Apollo Global Management, Inc., highlighted the importance of Monford’s leadership at a time when the company is expanding its foothold in the Hispanic and specialty grocery sector. According to board members Andy Jhawar and Joanna Reiss, “Heritage is well-positioned in the Hispanic and ethnic grocery industry, serving as a one-stop-shop for the fastest growing demographics in the United States.” They anticipate that Monford’s expertise will enhance HGG’s operations and amplify its mission to provide fresh and affordable groceries to the communities it serves.
In response to her appointment, Monford expressed eagerness, stating, “I look forward to helping Heritage build on its strong foundation and am honored to lead the company into its next chapter of growth.” She emphasized the importance of HGG’s differentiated value proposition and operational excellence as drivers of future growth amidst macroeconomic shifts. Her vision includes honoring the uniqueness of each of HGG’s banners while serving its customers and team members effectively.
HGG has experienced considerable growth recently, acquiring Texas-based El Rancho Supermercado in 2023 and updating store layouts and loyalty programs at its Tony’s Fresh Market brand. As a result, HGG currently operates 58 Cardenas Markets, 29 El Rancho Supermercado stores, 21 Tony’s Fresh Market stores, and seven under the Los Altos Ranch Market brand across California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas, and Illinois.
The grocery retail landscape faces various challenges, especially in catering to an increasingly diverse customer base. HGG’s strategic focus on serving the Hispanic community is crucial as this demographic represents one of the fastest-growing groups in the United States. According to recent studies, the Hispanic community is expected to account for a significant portion of the country’s population growth, which translates to a more substantial market share for companies that effectively serve their needs.
Monford’s leadership will likely incorporate innovative strategies to attract and retain customers, emphasizing fresh products and culturally relevant offerings. Retailers who have successfully engaged this demographic often utilize marketing strategies that resonate on a cultural and emotional level. This could include community events, culturally tailored promotions, and localized product offerings.
As HGG progresses under Monford’s leadership, all eyes will be on how the company capitalizes on these opportunities within the market while maintaining loyalty among its existing customer base. The potential for enhancing customer experience through technology and improved supply chain logistics will be pivotal in driving HGG’s growth trajectory.
In conclusion, Suzy Monford’s appointment as CEO sets a promising course for Heritage Grocers Group. Her wealth of experience and strategic vision are essential as HGG navigates its future amidst a competitive grocery retail landscape, especially in serving the needs of the Hispanic community.