Allegiance Retail Services, the Iselin, NJ-based marketing, merchandising and advertising co-op that services many large New York Metro independent supermarkets, has promoted Samer Rahman and Donna Zambo to executive VPs, effective immediately.
Rahman joined Allegiance in 2013 and has risen steadily through the organization. With 35 years of experience in the grocery industry, he brings insight and proven leadership to his new role. Now, as executive VP, he will continue as chief merchandising officer and will serve as Allegiance’s primary contact for consumer packaged goods and lead the development of the co-op’s merchandising strategies. Rahman’s focus remains on helping member stores achieve their gross profit goals while driving performance and value across the board.
Zambo joined Allegiance in 2018 as VP-chief marketing officer following her tenure at Wakefern Corporation. As executive VP, she will add the expanded role of chief information officer and continue as chief marketing officer, leading both the marketing and technology initiatives of the organization. This title change reflects her broadened scope of responsibilities and her ongoing efforts to align strategic marketing with cutting-edge retail technology solutions. Zambo’s vision and leadership are expected to drive innovation and operational efficiencies in these two areas, and deployment of retail tech projects that benefit the entire Allegiance network.
“These promotions reflect the continued growth of our cooperative and the expanded leadership roles of both Samer and Donna,” said Joseph Fantozzi, president and COO of Allegiance Retail Services. “I am proud to have these two individuals as key partners in the day-to-day leadership of Allegiance and look forward to their continued contributions to our success.”
Independent retailers that Allegiance supports include: Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, Morton Williams, Pathmark, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, Marrazzo’s Market, and Shop n Bag.
