Bill Artman named Giant Eagle CEO

Giant Eagle on Tuesday elevated Bill Artman to CEO, a role he had filled in an interim capacity since March.

Artman, who has a nearly 40-year tenure with the regional grocer, became interim CEO following the departure of longtime Chief Executive Officer Laura Karet.

During his time with Pittsburgh-based Giant Eagle, Artman has served as president of supermarkets, and EVP and SVP of retail operations, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the business, the grocer said in a statement.

“Bill already has made a tremendous impact in his interim role, giving the board confidence that he is the right leader to take Giant Eagle to new heights,” Board Chairman Bart Friedman said in a statement. “Over the past five months, Bill has established a new business strategy and assembled a strong executive leadership team comprised of an accomplished group of professionals with decades of relevant experience who have both a keen understanding of the company’s unique standing as a multi-format retailer and a strong vision for its future.”

Artman’s promotion sets in motion several other executive shifts at Giant Eagle:

Terri Micklin has been promoted to EVP, president of GetGo. She most recently served as SVP of development and strategy for GetGo.

Jim Tsipakis has been promoted to EVP, president of supermarkets and pharmacy. Most recently, Tsipakis was EVP and president of Giant Eagle Pharmacy.

Dave Burnworth has been promoted to EVP, CFO. He most recently served as the retailer’s SVP and chief accounting officer.

Graham Watkins has been promoted to EVP, chief information and supply chain officer. Most recently, Watkins served as EVP of supply chain transformation and operations.

Justin Weinstein has been promoted to EVP, chief strategy and marketing officer. Weinstein previously served as SVP and chief strategy officer.

“Terri, Jim, Dave, Graham and Justin have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep commitment to our customers,” Artman said in a statement. “Their expanded roles within the organization will undoubtedly strengthen our ability to deliver meaningful everyday value and an exceptional omnichannel shopping experience for our customers in an environment that recognizes and rewards our team members.

Karet had served as Giant Eagle’s CEO for 11 years, until March. She had been with the company for nearly 23 years until the board “determined to separate” with Karet, pursuant to her contract, the retailer said in a statement at the time.

Karet, in a post on LinkedIn, said she was leaving Giant Eagle to “spend more time with my family as well as pursue several new opportunities that I am passionate about,” adding, “You are in great hands with my long-time friend Bill.”

In June, Karet joined the board of directors for convenience retailer Arko Corp.

Giant Eagle, which was founded in 1931, operates more than 470 food, fuel and pharmacy locations throughout western Pennsylvania, north central Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana.