Cardenas Markets promotes Arnold Perez to vice president of IT

Ontario, Calif.-based Hispanic grocer Cardenas Markets has promoted Arnold Perez to vice president of information technology (IT).

He previously served as senior director of IT operations since joining the 52-store chain in 2019.

In his new position, Perez will report directly to Prabash Coswatte, chief operating officer for Cardenas Markets, and will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company’s IT team.

“Arnold brings extensive experience leading and executing IT strategies across various business sectors to his new role,” said Coswatte. “His expertise and leadership will continue to drive Cardenas Markets’ digital transformation and innovation to support our company’s business needs in addition to evolving customer shopping preferences.”

Perez (left) brings over 20 years of IT leadership experience to his new role, focused on infrastructure engineering, project management and operations across various industries including fashion retail, banking, media and entertainment, semiconductor manufacturing, supply chain and petroleum.

Prior to joining Cardenas Markets, he served as senior director of enterprise infrastructure services for BCBG Max Azria, supporting over 700 domestic and international retail fronts and four distribution centers. He also served as director of infrastructure operations and services for Semtech; vice president infrastructure services for Downey Savings and Loan; and manager of network services for Ingram Micro.

Related:Cardenas Markets names Prabash Coswatte as COO

Perez holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics Engineering Technology from DeVry Institute of Technology.

This is the latest promotion in Cardenas Markets’ c-suite, following Coswatte’s move to chief operating officer earlier this month. Previously chief information and administration officer, Coswatte, who joined the company in 2019, now oversees the company’s store operations, loss prevention, information technology, data integrity, scanning, receiving, maintenance, construction and real estate departments. He reports directly to chairman and CEO Doug Sanders.

In January, the company elevated Leticia Espinoza to chief legal officer. She joined Cardenas in May 2019 as general counsel and corporate secretary from Hispanic grocer Bodega Latina/El Super, where she served as associate general counsel.

Cardenas Markets is one of the largest Hispanic grocery chains in the country with stores in California, Nevada and Arizona.