Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association Honors Nicholas Bertram, President of The GIANT Company; Alex Baloga and Tom Cormier Comment
GETTYSBURG, PA - It is always great when we have the chance to celebrate an industry leader’s success. That is just the case, as the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has honored Nicholas Bertram, the President of The GIANT Company, with its Food Industry Trailblazer Award.
“It’s nice to finally be rebounding. It’s nice to finally have our eye on the future,” Bertram said when receiving the award. “All of us here tonight are blazing some kind of a trail. I think it’s possible. I think it’s one that will be healthier. I think it’s one that will be more inclusive. I think it’s one that will actually invite everybody, and I’m grateful to get the chance to build that with you all.”
Bertram began his retail career at JCPenney more than 20 years ago, according to a press release. He then moved on to work with Walmart as a part-time stocker, where he quickly assumed leadership roles in store operations, human resources, and innovation during his 12-year tenure.
Furthering his expertise in the retail space, Bertram joined Jewel-Osco in Chicago as its Senior Vice President, and then in 2013, began working in executive roles at Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of The GIANT Company. In 2017, he was appointed president of The GIANT Company.
“Nick is an exceptional leader at The GIANT Company and in the food retail industry. He continues to pave the way with new innovations in his work, all with a focus on team and family,” said Alex Baloga, President and Chief Executive Officer of PFMA. “We’re thrilled to honor his achievements.”
Bertram played a key role in the acceleration of GIANT’s e-commerce business and led the company’s growth in Philadelphia by introducing a unique new urban format to the city, the release noted. Last year, the trailblazer oversaw the reveal of the company’s new brand platform, “For Today’s Table,” which is designed to showcase how sitting down for a meal connects families and builds stronger communities.
“As the food retail industry navigated innumerous changes that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic, the best leaders anticipated and adapted to these changes,” said Tom Cormier, Chair of the PFMA Board of Directors and Manager of Government Affairs for Ahold Delhaize USA. “Nick learned to never put himself above any person or any work. He has developed a unique culture at The GIANT Company that values and celebrates every member of its 35,000-person team. Well before the pandemic hit, Bertram consistently showed vision, innovation, and passion, ensuring the success of his team and The GIANT Company. PFMA recognized this leadership by naming Bertram as its Food Industry Trailblazer.”
Bertram is also Chair for the Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania Chamber, and Co-Chair of the Corporate Council and a member of the Foundation Board of Overseers for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He earned a BBA in marketing from Eastern Kentucky University and an MBA in global management from the University of Phoenix, in addition to post-graduate programs at Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, Harvard, and The Wharton School.
Congratulations to this true industry trailblazer on receiving this recent honor! For more of the latest news in the retail sector, keep reading ANUK.
