Aldi U.S. names new CEO
Aldi U.S. has announced a major C-suite shakeup.
The fast-growing discount grocer announced that CEO Jason Hart has been promoted to join the executive board of Aldi South as group COO, effective Sept.1. Atty McGrath, currently COO at Aldi U.S., will assume the U.S. chief executive role.
In his new role, Hart will help oversee the company's global operations in Salzburg, Austria. He will play a key role in Aldi’s European business. Aldi South operates in Southern Germany, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and other regions, while Aldi North operates Northern Germany, Benelux (Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg), France and more.
Hart has served as Aldi U.S. CEO for the past decade, and has spent his entire career of nearly 32 years with the grocer. During his tenure as CEO, Aldi U.S. nearly doubled its store count.
"I am honored to take on this new role with Aldi supporting our global business," said Hart. "The growth and positive development of the Aldi brand we've achieved together in the U.S. is a tribute to our incredible teams across the business. I look forward to working with Aldi teams around the globe to drive our growth and success."
Incoming CEO Atty McGrath has also spent her entire career with the grocer. Since joining as a district manager in 2003, she has risen through the ranks of the company and was appointed as chief operating officer in January of this year. She previously spent three and a half years as president of Aldi U.S.
"On behalf of the entire Aldi U.S. team, I extend heartfelt thanks to Jason for his unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership," said McGrath. "I am excited to build upon our momentum, expand our footprint and continue adapting to serve our customers."
The CEO shakeup comes as Aldi continues to quickly expand its footprint. The grocer plans to open 800 new stores over the next five years, with a target of more than 225 locations opening this year alone. So far this year, Aldi U.S. has opened 55 stores, with 75 more locations set to open this summer in key growth markets such as Arizona, California, Florida and South Carolina, as well as established markets like the Midwest and Northeast.
[READ MORE: Aldi acquires three former Big Lots locations — here’s where]
With global headquarters in Essen, Germany, Aldi operates more than 7,200 store locations around the world, including more than 2,200 stores in 39 U.S. states with over 45,000 associates.
