GOODLETTSVILLE, Tenn. — Dollar General Corp. has appointed Emily Taylor as chief operating officer, effective November 16, in a move that underscores the retailer's continued focus on growth and efficiency across its more than 20,000 stores.
Taylor, who currently serves as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, brings more than 25 years of experience with the company to her new role. As COO, she will oversee store operations, supply chain, merchandising, marketing and digital, real estate, decision science, and process improvement, uniting key growth and execution functions under her leadership.
“Emily’s strategic vision and tenured understanding of the vital role DG plays in our customers’ lives will be invaluable as she expands her responsibilities as COO,” said Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s chief executive officer. “During her tenure, Emily and her team have consistently enhanced the shopping experience both in-store and through digital and delivery initiatives, elevated the Dollar General and pOpshelf brands, and improved operational efficiency.”
From Merchant to Operator
Since joining Dollar General in 1998, Taylor has served in a wide range of roles across merchandising, pricing, planning, and financial strategy. As senior vice president and general merchandise manager in 2014, she spearheaded the company’s Non-Consumable Initiative (NCI), a key merchandising expansion that broadened DG’s appeal beyond consumables.
In 2019, Taylor led the development and launch of pOpshelf, the company’s differentiated retail concept targeting higher-income shoppers with trend-driven home décor, beauty and seasonal products. Since becoming chief merchandising officer in 2020, she has guided DG’s merchandising and digital transformation, global sourcing, and inventory optimization efforts.
Taylor’s leadership has earned widespread recognition in the retail industry, including being named 2025 Merchant of the Year by Mass Market Retailers.
Taylor holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Asheville and an MBA from Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management.
Strengthening the Merchandising Bench
Along with Taylor’s promotion, Dollar General announced several senior leadership changes designed to strengthen its merchandising and pOpshelf teams.
Bryan Wheeler has been promoted to executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, succeeding Taylor. Wheeler will oversee all consumable and non-consumable merchandising, global sourcing, merchandise operations, and in-store experience for Dollar General and pOpshelf. A 19-year company veteran, Wheeler joined DG in 2006 after two decades at Kmart and has served as senior vice president and general merchandise manager since 2017.
Pooh Vichidvongsa, previously senior vice president for pOpshelf, will transition to senior vice president and general merchandise manager for Dollar General, leading the family care, home cleaning, pet, and health and beauty categories, as well as private brand strategy. Vichidvongsa joined DG in 2008 and played a key role in both the NCI rollout and the expansion of pOpshelf.
Shareeka Meadows has been promoted to senior vice president at pOpshelf, where she will oversee merchandising, marketing, and store operations for the rapidly expanding concept. Meadows joined DG in 2012 and has progressed through leadership roles in apparel, stationery, and home categories.
“These promotions recognize the ongoing contributions of three outstanding leaders and align with our strategic growth across merchandising,” Vasos said. “With a strong, experienced leadership team in place, the company is well-positioned to advance under Emily’s leadership as COO.”
Organizational Streamlining
Dollar General also announced the elimination of the position of executive vice president, strategy and development, and confirmed that Steve Deckard has left the company, effective Nov. 12.
The leadership changes come as Dollar General continues to refine operations and invest in store growth, supply chain modernization, and data-driven decision-making. Under Vasos and Taylor’s leadership, the retailer is expected to further integrate its merchandising, digital, and operations capabilities — a move aimed at reinforcing its low-cost model and expanding access to affordable essentials in the communities it serves.
With more than 20,000 stores in 48 states and an expanding international presence, Dollar General remains one of the largest and fastest-growing discount retailers in the U.S.
