QUINCY, MA - Where one road ends, another begins. Such is the nature of seeing our industry leaders enter retirement. Ahold Delhaize USA has seen one road wind to its end as a new one is paving the way for Kathy Russello’s retirement. The Executive Vice President of People Systems and Services at Ahold’s Retail Business Services division, Russello has dedicated 43 years of distinguished service and will retire at the year’s end, remaining in an advisory capacity with the company in 2021.

Russello began her career in-store operations with Mayfair Supermarkets in Elizabeth, New Jersey, before transitioning to senior-level executive roles in human resources and labor relations. She has significant experience in both grocery retail and human resources, as noted in a press release. She has set herself apart as a trailblazer, earning multiple honors for her many accomplishments in the grocery industry and her advocacy for women in retail.

"Kathy has been an excellent leader for our organization, and we're extremely appreciative of her many contributions," said Roger Wheeler, President of Retail Business Services. "Under her leadership, she has led People Systems and Services, organizational development, training, diversity and inclusion, recruiting, and talent management for the organization. She also played an integral role in the successful merger of Ahold and Delhaize, leading human resources, organizational development and design, among other areas. We thank Kathy for her dedicated service and wish her all the best during retirement."

In addition to her career accomplishments, Russello has been extremely active in community engagement. She is a volunteer for the New Jersey Food Bank, where she is also a former Board Member, and currently serves as President of the Ahold Delhaize USA Family Foundation.

"Kathy has been a strong advocate for people her entire career," added Wheeler. "In everything she does, she always puts people first and strongly believes they are the heart of the business and is deeply committed to associates' ongoing development."

We wish Kathy Russello the best of luck as she embarks on her retirement journey.

Ahold Delhaize Retail Business Services