Hannaford Names Award After Hodge

SCARBOROUGH, Maine — Hannaford Supermarkets this week formally renamed its store manager of the year award after Ronald Hodge, who retired last week as chief executive officer of Hannaford parent company Delhaize America after more than 40 years in the supermarket industry.

The Ronald C. Hodge Retailer of the Year Award seeks to recognize the Hannaford store manager who best exemplifies Hodge’s leadership qualities. Hodge worked as a store manager himself earlier in his career.

“Ron has a unique way of making associates feel valued and cared about and supported," said Beth Newlands Campbell, Hannaford president. “He understands that store managers are the lifeblood of our business. Great store managers lead. They listen. They coach. They inspire. And day after day, year after year, they overcome challenges to succeed."

Read more: Delhaize Taps Smith as U.S. CEO

Prior to becoming CEO of Delhaize America, Hodge was CEO of Delhaize America Operations and was executive vice president and CEO of Hannaford. He joined Hannaford in 1980 and was promoted through a number of increasingly senior roles, ultimately becoming president of Hannaford in December 2000 and CEO in 2001.

Roland Smith became president and CEO of Delhaize America and EVP of Delhaize Group on Oct. 15, succeeding Hodge.

Hannaford operates 181 stores in the Northeast.