Giant Food names Brian Wanner vice president of human resources

Brian Wanner will join Giant Food as vice president of human resources effective May 9, according to the regional grocery chain serving the greater Washington, D.C., area. Wanner assumes the role following the retirement of Robin Anderson, after 42 years of service to Giant Food. 

In his new role, Wanner will be responsible for leading end-to-end human resources functions, including spearheading the development and evolution of a human resources strategy that continues to foster a culture of inclusion, learning and engagement.

Wanner (left) previously served as director of talent & culture for The Giant Company, like Giant Food, another Ahold Delhaize USA brand. Wanner’s two decades with Ahold Delhaize USA began in 2000 when he joined The Giant Company as an assistant store manager. During his time with the company, he held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility across multiple functional areas, building his expertise across learning & development, talent management, diversity, recruitment, supply chain & logistics and innovation & deployment.

“Brian brings tremendous knowledge for both HR and omnichannel retail to Giant thanks to his many years of service in this industry,” said Ira Kress, president of Giant Food, the Landover, Md.-based operator of 164 supermarkets in Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia. “His depth of experience in management as well as his passion for people-oriented leadership make him a highly welcomed and valued addition to our team to drive the strategy behind our employee value proposition.”

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In Wanner’s most recent role at The Giant Company, which he has held since 2019, his responsibility spanned people strategy, talent management, organizational development, change management, engagement, training & development and talent acquisition. Wanner was instrumental in developing and bringing to life the brand’s learning platform, GIANT University, and as a member of the Brand Refresh team, he played a vital role in developing strategy for attracting and retaining talent. His work was key to The Giant Company’s successful certification as a ‘Best Place to Work’ for two consecutive years.

“I’m energized to be joining the Giant Food team to deploy both my passion and experience in this industry to a brand with such a positive reputation both inside and out,” said Wanner. “I look forward to continuing to further the growth of the excellent programs already in place at this company as well as leading new efforts that encourage an exemplary positive culture for its associates.

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