EMERYVILLE, CA - Announcing a newly created executive position, Grocery Outlet is welcoming an experienced leader to its team of Chiefs. Effective January 22, the company appointed Ramesh Chikkala to the role of Executive Vice President, Chief Operations Officer as it continues to strengthen its expertise in the supply chain and business technology spaces.

"I am thrilled to join Grocery Outlet to help scale the business and deliver on the mission of Touching Lives for the Better," said Chikkala. "I am excited to work with an incredible team and with Grocery Outlet's Independent Operators to transform and further optimize our supply chain and business technology infrastructure to support long-term growth."

Chikkala will now lead the company's Supply Chain and Business Technology functions, reporting to RJ Sheedy, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Chikkala brings a wealth of retail and operations experience, including expertise gained from a 14-year tenure at Walmart. Serving as SVP, Global Supply Chain (Omnichannel) and Food Manufacturing, Chikkala led Walmart’s global supply chain and manufacturing operations. As SVP, Information Technology, he led the company's global technology organization, a press release explained.

Chikkala also held vital roles within Family Dollar Stores’ leadership team, serving as Vice President/Regional Vice President of Store Operations. Other companies that have benefitted from his expertise include Food Lion, Gap, A.T. Kearney, and more.

"Ramesh is an ideal fit for this new position with his extensive leadership and operating experience in both supply chain and technology," said Sheedy. "He has deep expertise in end-to-end supply chain transformation and business digitalization. This position represents continued investment in our business operations, which is critical to delivering our value proposition and supporting future revenue and profit growth."

ANUK extends our congratulations to Ramesh Chikkala on this new executive opportunity!