Nicholas Bertram Departs Post as The Giant Co. President to 'Pursue New Opportunities'

Nicholas Bertram, president of Ahold Delhaize banner The Giant Co., will leave the organization at the end of the month to pursue new opportunities, Ahold Delhaize USA announced Wednesday.

Upon Bertram's departure, John Ruane, who is currently SVP and CCO for the grocer, will become interim president until a successor is named, the company said in a statement.

“We have been fortunate to have Nick lead The Giant Co. during his nine-year tenure,” said Kevin Holt, president, Ahold Delhaize USA, in a statement. “His leadership has inspired very strong performance by the team. The Giant Co. has achieved a great deal of success, with growth in its local markets, innovation in operations and a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as health and sustainability. We remain confident in the continued momentum of the brand and wish Nick all the best in the future.”

Bertram, in a statement said it has been a "great honor" to lead The Giant Co. 

“I am excited about the growing momentum of our purpose-led teammates," he said. "That, along with the strength of our leadership team, makes now the most natural time for me to step away. I have great confidence in John and believe that The Giant Company’s best days are still to come.”

Ruane, who started his career in the grocery industry at age 14 at Foodtown in New Jersey, joined Ahold Delhaize USA companies in 2011 and The Giant Co. in 2018. An industry and community champion, he currently serves as chair of FMI’s Fresh Food Leadership Committee and on the board of directors at Philabundance, one of the largest hunger-relief organization’s serving the Philadelphia area. Ruane attended Rutgers College and has completed post-graduate programs at Cornell University and Harvard Business School.

“I’m honored to serve as interim president. I look forward to continuing to serve our customers and communities and delivering on our purpose and passion of meeting today’s customers' needs,” Ruane said in a statement.

Looking to strengthen its leadership team and advance the company’s omnichannel strategy, last month The Giant Co. made a raft of executive promotions.

The Giant Co. is a banner of Ahold Delhaize USA, which has more than 35,000 employees supporting 190 stores, 133 pharmacies, 107 fuel stations and more than 175 online pickup hubs and grocery delivery service. Its family of brands includes Giant, Martin’s, Giant Heirloom Market, Giant Direct and Martin’s Direct.