WEST DES MOINES, Iowa — Hy-Vee Chairman and CEO Jeremy Gosch paid tribute to Donna Tweeten in a LinkedIn post, reflecting on her lasting impact on the company and the broader retail industry after her passing on April 8.
Tweeten, Hy-Vee’s first female president, was a central figure in shaping the retailer’s brand and national profile over a career spanning more than four decades. She joined the company in 2006 and served as chief marketing officer and later president, helping drive a series of high-profile partnerships and marketing initiatives that expanded Hy-Vee’s reach.
In his LinkedIn post, Gosch emphasized both his professional contributions and his personal influence across the organization.
“We are simply heartbroken by the sudden loss of Donna Tweeten. Not only was Donna a trailblazer across Hy-Vee and the retail industry, she was a true friend and mentor to many, myself included. Donna leaves behind a lasting legacy and will forever be remembered for her bold ideas, creative passion and commitment to excellence. We miss her deeply and words cannot express the sorrow that is being felt across our Hy-Vee family due to the impact she had on all of us,” he wrote.
Under Tweeten’s leadership, Hy-Vee expanded its brand visibility through partnerships with athletes including Caitlin Clark, Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, thereby positioning the retailer more prominently within national consumer culture.
Tweeten retired in January 2025 but remained active as a consultant until her death. She had recently been diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Gosch also noted that funeral arrangements have not yet been finalized and will be announced soon. He added that the company is keeping Tweeten’s family in its thoughts, including her husband, Alan, and their five children and grandchildren.
