The Giant Company adds customer experience exec
The Giant Company has named Glennis Harris its senior vice president of customer experience, succeeding retiring executive John Ponnett. Harris — whose appointment is effective March 22 — will oversee the company’s e-commerce fulfillment centers, as well as asset protection and safety, delivery operations and store support.
“Glennis is more than a brilliant operator; she’s also unusually skilled at developing talent and creating an irresistible culture. Her rapid advancement in the fashion industry was no surprise to me, having appreciated her growth mindset while in grocery,” said Nicholas Bertram, president of The Giant Company. “I’m delighted to welcome her to The Giant Company’s leadership team, and I am convinced that she will elevate the experience of our millions of customers no matter when, how, or where they engage our brands.”
Harris brings nearly 35 years of experience to the role, having begun her career in 1987 when she became a store director at Supervalu, where she rose in the ranks over the course of a decade in roles that included operations, marketing and merchandising. In 2012, she joined Ross Stores as district manager and was promoted to zone director in 2014. She most recently was regional vice president for Ross in the Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., areas.
“My career began in grocery, so I’ve always had a special place in my heart for the industry; joining The Giant Company is a homecoming of sorts, and I couldn’t be more excited,” said Harris. “I’ve been impressed with how The Giant Company is transforming the business and all that they have achieved over the last few years, and I am looking forward to working with Nick and the entire team to create an omnichannel experience unlike any other in the industry.”
Bertram also thanked Ponnett, who is retiring April 2.
“On behalf of the entire Giant Company team, I thank John for his dedication and many significant contributions to our company over his 30-year career, most notably the leadership he displayed last year during one of the most challenging times in company history," he said. “From his beginning as a part-time clerk at our original Middletown, Pa., store to his current role, John’s tremendous influence on our business will not be forgotten, and his legacy will live on in the many team members he’s mentored over the years."