After 10 months as interim president of Giant Food, parent firm Ahold Delhaize USA (ADUSA) has removed the “temporary” tag and named the 36-year veteran of the Landover, MD-based chain president.
After taking the day-to-day helm of the ADUSA regional “brand” in July 2019, following the promotion of former Giant president Gordon Reid to run sister retailer Stop & Shop, Kress continued to advance his people-oriented skill set to another level as the leader of more than 20,000 associates at Giant’s 164 stores in Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Washington. DC.
Those skills were never better demonstrated than by two events which have recently occurred on Kress’ watch. In early March, after prolonged and difficult labor negotiations, Giant and UFCW Locals 400 and 27 agreed to new four-year contracts covering the company’s clerks and meatcutters. Adding a fourth year to the agreement was a key component (virtually all previous pacts had been three years in length), but more importantly the new labor deal finally created a plan that would help offset the more than $1.1 billion unfunded pension liability that faced Giant (and Safeway) and the two Maryland-based labor unions.
Less than a week later, the rapid spread of the coronavirus created new government-mandated policies which virtually locked down all non-essential activity in Giant’s operating territory. As food stores remained open as essential businesses, consumers flocked to purchase and stock up on groceries creating intense pressure to protect the safety of store associates. Throughout the process, Giant’s clerks and meatcutters, like most grocery merchants, persevered and shined during extremely challenging situations
“It’s been an honor and privilege to lead Giant Food, especially during this time when our customers and communities have never needed us more. I’m honored to continue in the role and am incredibly appreciative of our associates who serve our customers with excellence every day. I look forward to continuing to grow the Giant Food brand in our communities,” Kress said
In addition to his previous role as senior VP-operations, Kress has served many different roles for the Baltimore-Washington market’s leading grocery chain. He began working in the stores in 1984 and has served in a variety of leadership roles in retail operations, human resources, training and labor relations.
Kress is also active in the community and serves as a board member on the Johns Hopkins Pediatric Oncology Advisory Council and the Ahold Delhaize USA Family Foundation.
“Ira has been a dedicated leader for Giant Food for 36 years and we are proud to appoint him to this role,” said Kevin Holt, president, Ahold Delhaize USA. “Ira has been serving as interim president of Giant Food since last summer, and he has continued to lead the brand with success. He is an excellent leader, with a strong focus on serving customers, engaging associates and supporting local communities. During his role as interim president, Ira has continued to successfully grow sales, market share and build strong associate engagement during an unprecedented time for our industry.”