Giant Company Brand President Bertram Leaving Grocer

Nicholas Bertram is leaving his position as brand president of The GIANT Company effective August 31, the grocer’s parent company Ahold Delhaize said. John Ruane has been named interim president.

Kevin Holt, CEO of Ahold Delhaize USA, said Bertram’s leadership has inspired a “very strong performance” by his team.

“The GIANT Company has achieved a great deal of success, with growth in its local markets, innovation in operations and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as health and sustainability,” he said. “We remain confident in the continued momentum of the brand and wish Nick all the best in the future.”

Bertram added, “Leading The GIANT Company to be designed for the way families live now has been a great honor, and I am excited about the growing momentum of our purpose-led teammates. That, along with the strength of our leadership team, makes now the most natural time for me to step away.”

Ruane is currently senior vice president and chief commercial officer for The GIANT Company. He has led the merchandising and marketing teams to develop and implement customer-centric strategies that support the continued growth of the brand, while also improving customers’ experience and the overall value proposition. He started his career in the grocery industry at age 14 at Foodtown in New Jersey where he worked through college. He later joined Pathmark and held positions of increasing responsibility at retail and in merchandising, before joining Ahold Delhaize USA companies in 2011 and The GIANT Company in 2018. 

“I’m honored to serve as interim president,” Ruane said.” I look forward to continuing to serve our customers and communities and delivering on our purpose and passion of meeting today’s customers' needs.”

This is the second significant change in leadership at The GIANT Company. In July, the company announced five executive promotions. Manuel Haro was named VP of finance and strategy; Joanna Crishock was named VP of marketing and commercial planning; Daren Russ was named VP of omnichannel operations; Tim Santoro was named divisional VP of greater Philadelphia; and April Mock, who is director of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility, added the role of chief of staff to the president to her responsibilities.