Heritage Grocers starts search for a new CEO
There’s been a leadership shakeup at the nation’s largest Hispanic-oriented specialty grocer.
Heritage Grocers Group, whose portfolio includes Cardenas Markets, said that Suzy Monford has stepped down as chairperson and CEO to pursue other opportunities. The company has named industry veteran David Hirz as chairman and is instituting an Office of the CEO composed of senior leaders.
Heritage Grocers said it has launched a comprehensive search process for its next CEO with the assistance of a leading executive search firm “to identify the right leader to bring Heritage into its next phase of growth.”
Hirz brings over four decades of grocery retail leadership experience, having served as president at Food 4 Less and Ralphs, and most recently as president and CEO of Smart & Final. He has been a key member of the Heritage board of directors for the past year.
Monford joined Heritage Grocers in November 2024 as CEO. Prior to that, she was CEO of Food Sport International, a global consultancy that advises retailers on financial and impact value creation. Before Food Sport, Monford was CEO of PCC Community Markets. Earlier in her career, she was president and group VP at Kroger, and CEO of Andronico’s Community Markets.
“Throughout my time on Heritage’s Board, I have seen firsthand the strength of Heritage’s value proposition and customer loyalty across our banners,” said Hirz. “We have a unique ability to serve communities with authenticity – and we’re committed to carrying that forward. The Heritage Board thanks Suzy for her contributions during her time with the company.
The Office of the CEO will be comprised of the following members of the company’s senior executive team:
- Prabash Coswatte, COO;
- Leticia Espinoza, chief administrative officer & general counsel;
- Matthew Holt, CFO; and
- Frank Ingraffia, chief transformation officer and CEO of Tony’s Fresh Market.
Headquartered in Ontario, Calif., Heritage Grocers Group operates stores under a variety of banners in California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas, and Illinois. Its portfolio includes 58 stores under the Cardenas Markets banner, 29 stores under the El Rancho Supermercado banner, 21 stores under the Tony’s Fresh Market banner and seven stores under the Los Altos Ranch Market banner.
