Giant Food has named Diane Hicks as its new senior VP-operations, effective September 12. She replaces Irfan Badibanga who recently left the Landover, MD-based regional chain.
In her new role, Hicks will oversee omnichannel store operations, store support, asset protection, pharmacy, and store development. Her direct reports will include Giant’s regional VPs of omnichannel operations – Toni Judy and Cip Andrade; Mike Brenton, VP-operations support; Suzette Stevenson, director of asset protection; Paul Zvaleny, director of pharmacy operations; and Gary Budd, director of strategic planning/store format.
Hicks appointment is a homecoming for the veteran industry executive. She first joined Giant in 2005 and spent 12 years leading various teams across merchandising and operations in the retailer’s marketing area. During her grocery industry career, which encompasses more that 30 years, Hicks’ other duties have included assistant store manager, store manager, sales manager, human resources manager, district director, director of produce/floral sales and merchandising, director of center store sales and merchandising, and VP-sales and merchandising.
Most recently, she served as VP-operations for sister Ahold Delhaize USA brand Stop & Shop, overseeing stores in the company’s New York and Connecticut area where she was responsible for strategic leadership, operations excellence, driving culture change, talent management, and overall P&L responsibility.
Hicks and her husband of 26 years, John, have three children and currently reside in New York. She will be relocating back to the Maryland/DC area.
“Her experience with both Stop & Shop and Giant Food, along with her extensive knowledge of the retail industry, will help ensure a smooth transition to this role. Diane will be responsible for providing strategic leadership in the development and execution of our critical growth drivers, delivering exceptional store conditions, driving a true selling culture, and ultimately delivering an extraordinary associate and customer experience across our omni-channel operations,” said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food.
