After 30 years of service to Harris Teeter and a total of 47 years in the industry, Mark Hilton, vice president of produce merchandising, has announced he will retire on Nov. 30 of this year.
Hilton began his career with Harris Teeter in 1992 as manager of produce merchandising. He was promoted to director of produce and floral in 1995 and in 2001 was named vice president of produce and floral, according to a news release.
As he reflects on his career, Hilton said that he especially values his relationships with his merchandising team and store associates.
“I have had the good fortune to learn this business from some very good operators,” Hilton said in the release. “They invested in me, and I have worked hard to pay that forward by passing on that knowledge and passion to our associates. I will definitely miss them and that daily interaction. I also relish all the business relationships I have made over the years, many of which have turned into great friendships.”
Hilton began his grocery career at Safeway in 1975 as a courtesy clerk. He worked his way up in various retail stores, was a field specialist, a category manager, a field buyer, merchandising manager, and a corporate trainer, the release said.
At Harris Teeter, Hilton was instrumental in the development and rebranding of their produce departments to the now HT Farmers Market, built a robust local and regional produce program and developed HT’s Green Thumb Expert training program for their produce associates, according to the release.
During his career, Hilton has served on various United Fresh Produce Association, Produce Marketing Association, Produce for Better Health Foundation and Food Marketing Institute advisory boards, the release said. Hilton also was very involved in the formation of the Southeastern Produce Council, serving as its first president. His community service has been focused on the service of the Brace Family YMCA and leading its fundraising efforts, the release said.
Hilton and his wife Stephanie currently live in Charlotte, N.C., but indicated they plan to spend more time in Scottsdale Ariz., where their three daughters and four grandchildren reside.