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QUINCY, Mass. — Ahold Delhaize USA announced that Stop & Shop president Mark McGowan is leaving the company later this year and will be succeeded by Gordon Reid, president of the Giant Food banner. Reid will take the reins at Stop & Shop in late July.
Ahold Delhaize said McGowan agreed to stay on to assume a smooth transition.
“We are excited for Gordon to join the Stop & Shop brand,” said Kevin Holt, chief executive officer for Ahold Delhaize. “Gordon is an excellent leader of people, with a strong focus on serving customers, engaging associates and supporting local communities. During his time at Giant Food, the brand has successfully grown sales and market share, and has strong associate engagement results.”
Reid has been president of Giant Food since late 2013. He had more than 35 years of international retail experience, including various management roles at Tesco, Boots, A.S. Watson Group and The Dairy Farm Group.
Holt praised McGowan and thanked him for 30 years of “tireless service” to the company.
“Under his leadership, Stop & Shop has built a strong foundation for transformation and expanded success that continues through our ‘Reimagine Stop & Shop’ initiative,” Holt said. “As Mark transitions, I have full confidence that Gordon Reid is the right leader to continue this transformation by repositioning the business for future success and rebuilding customer loyalty.”
McGowan was named Stop & Shop president in 2015. He earlier fulfilled roles including executive vice president of merchandising and supply chain for Ahold USA and president of Stop & Shop New England.
Said McGowan, “It’s been an honor and privilege to lead the Stop & Shop brand. I’m grateful for our associates who are incredibly dedicated to serving our customers every day, and I’m extremely proud of all that we have accomplished together. As Stop & Shop embarks on the next phase of its transformation, now is the right time for me to make this change. I look forward to working closely with Gordon and the entire team to ensure a seamless transition.”
The company also said Ira Kress, senior vice president of operations for Giant Food, has been appointed as interim president and will assume the role in late July.
