Ahold Delhaize USA announces leadership changes for supermarket chain

Ahold Delhaize USA says Chief Commerical Officer Roger Wheeler has been appointed brand president for Stop & Shop, effective Sept. 30, as current Brand President Gordon Reid plans to retire in mid-2025.

“At Ahold Delhaize USA, it’s a strength of our organization that we have a depth of internal leadership talent, which will ensure a smooth transition. A native of Massachusetts with more than 30 years of experience in the supermarket industry, and nearly 20 years of experience at Ahold Delhaize USA and Stop & Shop, Roger is the right person to propel the Stop & Shop brand forward,” JJ Fleeman, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, said in a news release. “He is a proven leader who is passionate about customer experience, knows the market and has an outstanding track record of building a strong organizational culture to drive the successful execution of initiatives and strong financial performance. I am confident in his ability to reposition Stop & Shop and deliver on our Growing Together strategy commitments.”

Wheeler most recently served as the chief commercial and supply chain officer for Ahold Delhaize USA. In this role, he led the transformation of commercial capabilities which have enabled strategies for future growth, as well as continued to drive efficiencies that have resulted in reduced costs and increased sales, the company said.

Prior to his role leading the commercial and supply chain businesses, he served as president of retail business services for seven years, during which he spearheaded the stand-up of the services organizations for Ahold Delhaize USA and led large-scale supply chain and IT transformations, the company said.

Wheeler was instrumental in maximizing the effectiveness of teams to support the business, including procurement, indirect sourcing and pharmacy, according to the release. Earlier, he served as senior vice president of supply chain, as well as both store manager and category manager roles in the grocery industry. He initially joined the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA in 2005 as vice president of meat and seafood for Stop & Shop.

“It’s an honor to rejoin Stop & Shop in this leadership role. I have not only spent a significant portion of my career working at the brand but am a lifelong customer and have a strong passion for the communities Stop & Shop serves," Wheeler said in the release. "I look forward to working alongside our Stop & Shop team as we build upon the work underway to deepen the loyalty of our customers, operate great stores and provide excellent service every day. Together, we will grow the Stop & Shop business, be a top employer in our markets and create great experiences for our associates.

“Stop & Shop has a clear focus on growing through large, multi-year price investments and a stronger customer value proposition," he added. "I look forward to working with our teams to deliver on that vision for our customers while caring for the communities we serve and growing Stop & Shop as a local brand for many years to come.”

Reid has worked for Stop & Shop since 2019 and before that, spent six years at the helm of Giant Food, according to the release. The company said he will remain with Ahold Delhaize USA until mid-2025, providing leadership support for strategic initiatives.

“I want to thank Gordon for his outstanding contributions over the years, and most recently at Stop & Shop,” Fleeman said. “Gordon has made a tremendous impact on our business, having led many initiatives to reposition brands and establish future strategy. From store remodels to price investments to new stores, such as Stop & Shop’s Allston Yards store, his leadership has reshaped customer shopping experiences. I look forward to continuing to work with Gordon until his retirement next year.”

“As I transition to this next chapter, it has truly been an honor and privilege to lead the Stop & Shop brand," Reid said in the release. "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 its future journey, I wish Roger and the entire team all the best for the future.”