PITTSBURGH, PA - A new Chief transition recently rocked the newswires as Giant Eagle announced it will be separating from its Chief Executive Officer Laura Karet. Karet held the CEO position for 11 years, and the retailer’s Board of Directors had decided to separate pursuant to her contract. Bill Artman was appointed as the company’s interim CEO, effective immediately.

“After much consideration, I’ve decided to move on to the next chapter of my life and leave Giant Eagle. My tenure at Giant Eagle has been incredibly rewarding, and I have been privileged to guide the organization through intricate challenges and unprecedented achievements,” Karet commented in a statement. “I am immensely proud of my colleagues and our collective efforts, which, thanks to our talent and tenacity, have allowed Giant Eagle to not only persevere but also flourish in recent years. Today, Giant Eagle boasts $11.5 billion in sales and operates nearly 500 stores.”

Karet, who has led the nearly 500-store supermarket chain since 2012, has worked with the retailer since 2000, reported Biz Women. She has spent a great deal of time in regional economic development, workforce development, and early childhood education.

“Our team consistently works to provide top-quality products and services to our customers and endeavors to make a positive impact on our communities. It has been an honor to contribute to this mission, and as I look ahead to my next chapter, I will be taking some much-needed time with my family,” continued Karet. “I would like to express my gratitude to all our team members for your unwavering commitment to our communities and for embodying the spirit of teamwork. I take great pride in what we have accomplished together.”

With this development, Artman has been named interim CEO. He had most recently served as President of Supermarkets.

“It is a privilege to continue to work with the talented team at Giant Eagle and I look forward to [getting] started in this new role,” Artman commented in a CBS News report. “My main focus is and always has been continuing to support the great team at Giant Eagle and delivering for our customers and the places where we live and work. Giant Eagle was built on a foundation of passion, hard work, innovation, and competitive spirit, and I’m proud to continue that legacy.”

In addition, Bart Friedman has been appointed Chair of the Board. He has been the lead Independent Director on the board for over two years and will be the first non-family Chair for Giant Eagle.

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Giant Eagle