Parent company of Winn-Dixie, Bi-Lo on hunt for a CEO

Southeastern Grocers' chief executive is leaving after 16-months on the job to pursue "another opportunity."



The parent company of Bi-Lo, Fresco y Más, Harveys and Winn-Dixie grocery stores said that Ian McLeod has resigned as president and CEO. McLeod, who joined the company in March 2017, previously served as group commercial director for Wesfarmers Group, one of Australia’s largest employers with diverse business operations, including supermarkets, discount department stores, home improvement and office supplies.



McLeod will remain in his current role through June 30, to assist with the transition. He will be succeeded on an interim basis by Anthony Hucker, COO of Southeastern Grocers, effective July 1.



Prior to joining Southeastern Grocers as COO, Hucker was president and COO of Schnucks, president of Giant Food and head of Walmart's strategy and business development division. He also spent 10 years as part of the original start up team with Aldi UK.



"We expect a seamless transition under Anthony's leadership," the company stated.



"We are also grateful for Ian's stewardship of the business during his tenure. Under Ian's direction, Southeastern Grocers has made substantial progress on our transformation plan and established great momentum."



The company, which is the fifth largest conventional supermarket retailer in the United States, has initiated a search for McLeod's successor.