Kathy Russello, Longtime Ahold Delhaize HR Exec, to Retire

Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, has announced the retirement of Kathy Russello, EVP of people systems and services, after 43 years of distinguished service with Retail Business Services and the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA. Russello will retire effective Dec. 31 and remain in an advisory capacity with the company in 2021.

Kathy Russello

“Kathy has been an excellent leader for our organization, and we’re extremely appreciative of her many contributions,” said Roger Wheeler, president of Retail Business Services. “Under her leadership, she has led people systems and services, organizational development, training, diversity and inclusion, recruiting and talent management for the organization. She also played an integral role in the successful merger of Ahold and Delhaize, leading human resources, organizational development and design, among other areas. We thank Kathy for her dedicated service and wish her all the best during retirement.”

Russello began her career in store operations with Mayfair Supermarkets in Elizabeth, N.J., before transitioning to senior level executive roles in human resources and labor relations. She has significant experience in both grocery retail and human resources. She has been recognized as a leader in the industry for her advocacy on behalf of women in retail.

“Kathy has been a strong advocate for people her entire career,” Wheeler said. “In everything she does, she always puts people first and strongly believes they are the heart of the business, and is deeply committed to associates’ ongoing development.”

In addition to her career accomplishments, Russello has been a longtime champion of community engagement. She is an active volunteer for the New Jersey Food Bank, where she is also a former board member, and currently is president of the Ahold Delhaize USA Family Foundation.

Retail Business Services, based in Quincy, Mass., provides services to five East Coast grocery brands, including Food Lion, The Giant Co., Giant Food, Hannaford and Stop & Shop.