Ahold Delhaize makes leadership changes at Giant
Ahold Delhaize USA announced leadership changes.
Nicholas Bertram, brand president of The Giant Company, will leave the organization on Aug. 31, to pursue new opportunities. Upon transition, John Ruane has been appointed interim president.
“We have been fortunate to have Nick lead The Giant Company during his nine-year tenure,” said Kevin Holt, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA. “His leadership has inspired very strong performance by the team. The Giant Company has achieved a great deal of success, with growth in its local markets, innovation in operations and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as health and sustainability. We remain confident in the continued momentum of the brand and wish Nick all the best in the future.”
[Read more: Giant release community impact report]
“Leading The Giant Company to be designed for the way families live now has been a great honor, and I am excited about the growing momentum of our purpose-led teammates. That, along with the strength of our leadership team, makes now the most natural time for me to step away. I have great confidence in John and believe that The Giant Company’s best days are still to come,” said Bertram.
Ruane will serve as interim president until a successor is named. He is currently senior vice president and chief commercial officer for The Giant Co., where he has led the merchandising and marketing teams to develop and implement customer-centric strategies that support the continued growth of the brand, while also improving customers’ experience and the overall value proposition.
He started his career in the grocery industry at age 14 years old at Foodtown in New Jersey where he worked through college. Ruane later joined Pathmark and held positions of increasing responsibility at retail and in merchandising, before joining Ahold Delhaize USA companies in 2011 and The Giant Company in 2018.
“I’m honored to serve as interim president. I look forward to continuing to serve our customers and communities and delivering on our purpose and passion of meeting today’s customers' needs,” Ruane said.
[Read more: Giant opens new store in Richboro, Pa.]
An industry and community champion, he currently serves as chair of FMI’s Fresh Food Leadership Committee and on the board of directors at Philabundance, one of the largest hunger-relief organizations serving the Philadelphia area. Ruane attended Rutgers College and has completed post-graduate programs at Cornell University and Harvard Business School.