The GIANT Company Names John Ruane as Interim President as Nicholas Bertram Departs; Kevin Holt Comments
QUINCY, MA - A major executive shift will be taking place next week for The GIANT Company. The retailer has announced that John Ruane, the current Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, will be stepping up as interim President as Nicholas Bertram prepares to exit the role on Wednesday, August 31.
“I’m honored to serve as interim President. I look forward to continuing to serve our customers and communities and delivering on our purpose and passion of meeting today’s customers’ needs,” said Ruane, whose role has been to lead the merchandising and marketing teams to develop and implement customer-centric strategies while also improving shoppers’ experience and the overall value proposition.
Ruane started his career in the grocery industry at age 14 at Foodtown where he worked through college, according to a press release. He later worked for Pathmark before joining Ahold Delhaize USA in 2011 and The GIANT Company in 2018. He currently serves as Chair of FMI’s Fresh Food Leadership Committee and on the Board at Philabundance.
As Ruane prepares to step into the role, Bertram prepares to depart from the company to pursue new opportunities.
“Leading The GIANT Company to be designed for the way families live now has been a great honor, and I am excited about the growing momentum of our purpose-led teammates,” Bertram stated. “That, along with the strength of our leadership team, makes now the most natural time for me to step away. I have great confidence in John and believe that The GIANT Company’s best days are still to come.”
Kevin Holt, President of Ahold Delhaize USA, commented on the leadership transition.
“We have been fortunate to have Nick lead The GIANT Company during his nine-year tenure,” said Holt. “His leadership has inspired very strong performance by the team. The GIANT Company has achieved a great deal of success, with growth in its local markets, innovation in operations, and a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as health and sustainability. We remain confident in the continued momentum of the brand and wish Nick all the best in the future.”
Congratulations to both of these retail leaders as they begin their new chapters.