Southeastern Grocers names interim president, CEO as McLeod departs
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Southeastern Grocers is undergoing a leadership transition. The company on Monday announced that president and CEO Ian McLeod will be departing the company, effective June 30, to pursue another opportunity. It has named COO Anthony Hucker as president and CEO on an interim basis, effective July 1.
“We are pleased that Anthony Hucker will be stepping in as President and CEO on an interim basis,” the company said. “As COO, Anthony has a strong familiarity with our business, our stakeholders, our challenges and opportunities, and the strategic direction of the Company. He brings extensive knowledge of the retail grocery sector, with more than 18 years of experience in leadership roles across our industry in the United States.”
Southeastern Grocers said that it has already initiated a search for McLeod’s successor, and said it was “grateful for Ian's stewardship of the business during his tenure,” noting that “under Ian's direction, Southeastern Grocers has made substantial progress on our transformation plan and established great momentum.”
“It has been a difficult decision to leave my role as President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, but I believe the new position will be a positive opportunity for me and in the best interests my family,” McLeod said. “I want to thank our thousands of loyal and dedicated associates – it's your hard work and dedication that has helped set this company on a path to an even brighter future. I have tremendous confidence in Anthony and the rest of the leadership team and I know that I'm leaving Southeastern Grocers in good hands.”
Hucker, prior to joining Southeastern Grocers as COO, was president and COO of Schnucks, president of Giant Food and head of Walmart's strategy and business development division, the company said. He also has spent 10 years as part of the original team with Aldi UK.
“It has been a privilege to work with Ian and I wish him all the best. I am humbled and honored that the Company has selected me as the interim president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers,” Hucker said. “I look forward to working with the rest of the leadership team and representing our outstanding associates as we continue to focus on our strategic transformation and positioning the business for long-term success.”
“We are pleased that Anthony Hucker will be stepping in as President and CEO on an interim basis,” the company said. “As COO, Anthony has a strong familiarity with our business, our stakeholders, our challenges and opportunities, and the strategic direction of the Company. He brings extensive knowledge of the retail grocery sector, with more than 18 years of experience in leadership roles across our industry in the United States.”
Southeastern Grocers said that it has already initiated a search for McLeod’s successor, and said it was “grateful for Ian's stewardship of the business during his tenure,” noting that “under Ian's direction, Southeastern Grocers has made substantial progress on our transformation plan and established great momentum.”
“It has been a difficult decision to leave my role as President and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, but I believe the new position will be a positive opportunity for me and in the best interests my family,” McLeod said. “I want to thank our thousands of loyal and dedicated associates – it's your hard work and dedication that has helped set this company on a path to an even brighter future. I have tremendous confidence in Anthony and the rest of the leadership team and I know that I'm leaving Southeastern Grocers in good hands.”
Hucker, prior to joining Southeastern Grocers as COO, was president and COO of Schnucks, president of Giant Food and head of Walmart's strategy and business development division, the company said. He also has spent 10 years as part of the original team with Aldi UK.
“It has been a privilege to work with Ian and I wish him all the best. I am humbled and honored that the Company has selected me as the interim president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers,” Hucker said. “I look forward to working with the rest of the leadership team and representing our outstanding associates as we continue to focus on our strategic transformation and positioning the business for long-term success.”