Harris Teeter promotes merchandising veteran to president
Harris Teeter, a subsidiary of Kroger, has a new president of the company. Tammy DeBoer steps into the role from her position overseeing merchandising and marketing and brings with her a wealth of experience in merchandising across retail.
DeBoer succeeds Rod Antolock who is retiring after 22 years with the organization, commencing Feb. 1, 2022.
DeBoer has been officially serving as the SVP of merchandising, operations and marketing as she prepares to become president of Harris Teeter. She joined the grocer in 2020, overseeing the company’s 258 stores in seven states. She has more than 25 years of experience in retail, prominently serving as an executive with Family Dollar, a subsidiary of Dollar Tree, where she most recently served as EVP and chief merchandising officer. Before that, she spent 19 years with Delhaize in merchandising and operations roles.
“Tammy is a seasoned veteran of the retail industry. Her broad and deep experience, including brand transformation, merchandising, operations, and more, make her a true asset to Harris Teeter and the leading choice to assume the role of president," said Mary Ellen Adcock, Kroger's senior vice president of operations.
DeBoer has been recognized several times as "One of the Most Influential Women in Mass Market Retail" by MMR and by Progressive Grocer as a "Top Female Executive in the Supermarket Industry." The Griffin Report listed her as a "Top Female Executive in the Grocery Industry," and the Mecklenburg Times recognized her as one of the "50 Most Influential Women in Charlotte."
Antolock joined Harris Teeter, based in Matthews, N.C., in 2000, serving in several executive positions. From 1978 to 2000 he served many roles for Albertsons as well.
"Rod's leadership has been instrumental to the growth and success of Harris Teeter for more than two decades. His commitment to customer service and quality will continue to guide Harris Teeter into the future," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO.
During his time with Harris Teeter, Antolock led the development of the company's "Service Excellence" customer engagement model and introduced new ways of operating, including a new urban upscale model, expanded store format and a model store walk concept. Under his leadership, Harris Teeter also expanded into multiple new geographies, including Northern Virginia, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Delaware.