In a significant leadership transition, Robert Sumas, the current CEO and interim chairman of Village Super Market Inc., has announced he will step down from his role effective December 13, 2024. After years of service, he will take on the new title of senior advisor to ensure continuity during the transition, while also remaining a valued member of the board. His announcement marks the end of a notable chapter in the company’s history, which has seen substantial growth and changes under his leadership.
Robert Sumas has an extensive background with Village Super Market, having first joined the company in 1969. He became CEO in 2017, after serving as president from 2009 to 2018. His long tenure also included roles as EVP, COO, and director. Sumas’s leadership style emphasized community engagement, local sourcing, and customer service, effectively adapting the company to the evolving retail landscape. His contributions have helped the company maintain its reputation as a trusted grocery provider.
Transitioning into the leadership vacuum created by Sumas’s departure, the board intends to appoint John J. Sumas as the new CEO and Nicholas Sumas as the president and chairman of the board, effective the same day. Both John and Nicholas Sumas have been instrumental in the company’s operations, having served as co-presidents since 2018. Their appointment signals a commitment to continuity, as both leaders have been actively involved in management since they joined Village Super Markets in 1987 and 1994, respectively.
John J. Sumas brings a wealth of expertise from various supervisory roles within the organization, including COO and general counsel. His strategic understanding of the business has been honed over decades in the industry, making him extremely well-equipped to lead the company into the future. Similarly, Nicholas Sumas has served as chief marketing officer and VP, gaining insight into brand development and consumer relations, making him a key player in expanding the company’s market presence.
The transition also occurs in light of the recent passing of William Sumas, a board member who contributed significantly to the company’s development. The board has decided not to fill this vacancy immediately, reducing its membership from ten to nine. This adjustment reflects a move towards streamlined governance as the new leadership prepares to take the helm.
Village Super Market, based in Springfield Township, New Jersey, operates a chain of 34 supermarkets under ShopRite and Fairway banners across New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and eastern Pennsylvania. The company also runs specialty markets under the Gourmet Garage name in New York City. In association with Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the nation, Village Super Market has positioned itself effectively within the competitive grocery sector. Wakefern’s portfolio of brands operates over 365 supermarkets in total, enhancing the strength and reach of its member retailers, including Village Super Market.
As the grocery sector undergoes significant transformations, particularly with the rise of e-commerce and the increasing importance of customer experience, the leadership of John and Nicholas Sumas will be under scrutiny. They will need to navigate these challenges while preserving the core values that have defined Village Super Market – a local focus with a commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
In summary, Robert Sumas’s decision to step down while ensuring a stable transition to the next generation of leadership demonstrates a thoughtful approach to corporate governance in a family-owned business. The appointments of John J. and Nicholas Sumas reflect continuity and stability as the company seeks to adapt to changing market dynamics while remaining true to its roots. As Village Super Market moves forward, it is poised to maintain its strong community ties and commitment to quality service.
