PCC Community Markets names Suzanne Monford president and CEO

PCC Community Markets (PCC), the Seattle-based community-owned food market and natural retailer has named Suzanne (Suzy) Monford president and CEO effective Dec. 16, 2020. With more than 30 years of experience in the grocery and restaurant industries. She will become the sixth CEO in PCC’s 65-plus-year history and second woman in the role. 

“I’m thrilled to join the PCC team as we continue to partner with our members, shoppers and communities throughout the Pacific Northwest,” said Monford (left). “Since 1953, PCC has championed local producers, quality and sustainability — the values I most cherish. As we look to the future, we will continue to draw on what makes us special, like our dedication to cooking from scratch daily in our stores, and to anticipate our shoppers’ needs, especially now, through innovation in our stores and our growing online business.”

Monford joins PCC after spending three years with The Kroger Company. Most recently, as Group Vice President of eCommerce, she helped create and lead go-to-market strategies for Kroger’s e-commerce partnership with Ocado into new markets across the U.S. During her tenure with Kroger, Monford also led Fresh Food as the company introduced its new “Fresh for Everyone” master brand. 

Related:Staying true to its green roots, PCC Community Markets opens 15th store, in Bellevue, Wash.

As president of Quality Food Centers (QFC) from 2017 to 2019, Monford ran the Kroger division of 65 stores in Washington and Oregon and was responsible for many innovations. Among those were launching delivery, leading the campaign to eliminate single-use plastic bags and launching the first-of-its-kind, in-store Tutta Bella restaurant. Monford also collaborated on the design of the chain’s flagship store in Kirkland, Wash., to elevate the focus on fresh, local and healthy. During this time, Monford became an active member of the Seattle community through her board work with Food Lifeline and the Beecher’s Foundation.

Monford joins PCC after a six-month search to fill the position vacated by Cate Hardy, who left in May to become CEO of The Wine Group, the second largest winemaker in the world.

“Suzy brings to PCC a wealth of experience in natural foods, high-service retail and executive leadership,” said Catherine Walker, chair of the PCC Board of Trustees. “Equally important, she has committed her personal and professional lives to health and wellness with a community focus. Her knowledge of the grocery industry, her alignment with PCC’s mission and values, and her commitment to community make her an ideal choice for the CEO role.” 

Related:Putting the ‘community’ in PCC Community Markets

In addition to her time with Kroger, Monford began her supermarket career working for a decade in leadership roles for H-E-B Central Market and H-E-B Grocery in Texas. Prior to joining Kroger, Monford was CEO of Andronico’s Community Markets in the San Francisco Bay Area.

PCC operates 15 stores in the Puget Sound area, with a focus on natural, sustainable and better-for-you products and foodservice.