Giant Food names SVP of operations

Giant Food, the greater Washington, D.C. retail grocery chain, has named Diane Hicks as senior vice president of operations effective Sept. 12.

Hicks will be responsible for providing strategic leadership in the development and execution of Giant's critical growth drivers, delivering exceptional store conditions, driving a true selling culture and delivering an extraordinary associate and customer experience across the brand's omnichannel operations.

With 30 years of experience working in retail across the Ahold Delhaize family of brands, Hicks brings an exceptional balance of expertise across human resources, operations, sales and merchandising, the company said. 

[Read more: Giant Food to host virtual Local Vendor Summit]

Most recently, Hicks was the vice president of operations at Stop & Shop, another Ahold Delhaize brand, responsible for strategic leadership, operations excellence, fostering a positive culture, talent management and overall profit and loss responsibility for stores in New York and Connecticut. Prior to this, Hicks spent 12 years with Giant Food leading various teams across merchandising and operations. 

"The entire Giant Food family is thrilled to welcome Diane back to our team," said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food. "She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge in omnichannel store operations, and we look forward to the leadership and growth she will bring to the Giant Food brand in this role."

Throughout her experience in retail, Hicks has held multiple roles including positions of the assistant store manager, store manager, sales manager, human resources manager, district director, director of produce/floral sales and merchandising, director of center store sales and merchandising and vice president of sales and merchandising.

[Read more: Giant Food, Unilever’s Knorr announce U.S. Dream Academy support]

"I am energized to be returning to my roots at Giant Food to support the continued growth of this beloved local brand," said Hicks. "I am confident I can build on the positive momentum and introduce new strategies to support omnichannel operations and development to make this the best place to work and shop. I've felt at home in the Ahold Delhaize family and look forward to all that is to come in my new role."