Wheeler To Replace Retiring Reid As Stop & Shop President

After years of putting band-aids on Stop & Shop’s problems, Ahold Delhaize USA (ADUSA) CEO JJ Fleeman told investors in May that the company’s second largest brand (behind Food Lion) would be taking a more radical approach to dealing with its issues by closing 32 stores (whose locations were disclosed in July), improving its pricing structure and enhancing its overall value proposition.

On September 24, ADUSA announced another key development at the Quincy, MA based brand. Current president Gordon Reid will  be stepping down as top dog at the merchant effective September 30 and will be replaced by company veteran Roger Wheeler who is currently chief commercial and supply chain officer for ADUSA. Reid will remain with the company, providing leadership support for strategic initiatives, until he retires in mid-2025.

ADUSA has begun a search to find a new chief commercial officer of the company.

“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,” said Fleeman. “He is a proven leader who is passionate about the 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.”

In his role as chief commercial and supply chain officer, Wheeler led ADUSA’s transformation of commercial capabilities to enable strategies for future growth, and continued to drive efficiencies that have resulted in reduced costs and increased sales.

Prior to his role leading the commercial and supply chain businesses, Wheeler served as president of Retail Business Services for seven years. In that role, he spearheaded the stand-up of the services organization for Ahold Delhaize USA, led large-scale supply chain and IT transformations, and was instrumental in maximizing the effectiveness of teams to support the business, including procurement, indirect sourcing and pharmacy. Earlier, he served as SVP-supply chain, as well as both store manager and category manager roles in the grocery industry. Wheeler initially joined the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA in 2005 as VP-meat and seafood for Stop & Shop. He was previously with rival Shaw’s Supermarkets.

Wheeler is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and a veteran of the Persian Gulf War. He holds an MBA from Bentley University.

“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. “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.”

Wheeler added, “Stop & Shop has a clear focus on growing through large, multi-year price investments and a stronger customer value proposition. 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.”

As for Reid, he has had a stellar career in the grocery business both domestically and for other retailers in Europe and Asia in a career that has spanned 40 years. Reid has led Stop & Shop since 2019, and before that, spent six years at the helm of Giant Food, Landover, MD, his first job in the U.S. He is a graduate of Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, UK and began his career as a pharmacist.

“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.”

Reid added, “As I transition to this next chapter, it has truly been an honor and privilege to lead the Stop & Shop brand. 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.”

Fleeman’s comments about Reid were spot on. The Scottish-born merchant personifies what retail leadership is all about—intelligence, work ethic, people skills and compassion.