JACKSONVILLE, FL – The wait is finally over for Southeastern Grocers and its leadership direction. The chain announced this morning that it has made the decision to officially move its current Interim exec, Anthony Hucker, into the appointment of President and CEO.

"I'm grateful to our leadership team for the smooth transition over the past six weeks and I’m excited for the opportunity to continue to drive the strategic direction of the company. I’m humbled and honored to lead our team of more than 50,000 associates who are our greatest assets, putting our customers first, always," Hucker said. "Over the past two years, we've made substantial progress in our transformation, and we're ready to push forward.”

This decision goes into effect immediately, according to a press release. Hucker has served as the Interim President and CEO since July 1, 2017. Hucker was first brought into the Southeastern Grocers family in March of last year as COO. He was moved into the Interim leadership position in June of this year, when past President and CEO Ian McLeod announced his departure.

"We are pleased to welcome Anthony as CEO of Southeastern Grocers as he was always part of our succession plan," the company said in a statement. "He has played an integral role in our successful transformation over the last 18 months, and we are positive he is the right leader to guide SEG. Anthony brings significant industry expertise, and we are confident that he will continue to improve the business to the benefit of our dedicated customers across the Southeast."

Southeastern Grocers serves as the parent company to a variety of banners, pursuing growth and various strategies throughout the buy-side sector. The company’s banners are Bi-Lo, Harveys, Winn-Dixie, and Fresco y Más.

Hucker came over to Southeastern Grocers from Schnucks Markets, where he served as President and COO, and time served as President of Giant Food. Hucker also served seven years at Walmart in domestic and international leadership positions. Hucker began at Walmart as CIO of the Americas, formed the Global Format Development Division, was promoted to Head of Strategy and Business Development for Walmart USA, and served as a corporate officer of the retail giant. Hucker first got his start working for Aldi in leadership assignments in Germany, the U.S., and Austria, and was a member of the original startup leadership team that set up Aldi UK.

Southeastern Grocers noted that Hucker’s passion for the food retail industry first was sparked while pursuing an Honours degree from the Metropolitan University of Manchester, UK, in Retail Marketing, and an International Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, UK. During this time, he also worked as a food industry analyst that reported on pan-European stocks to the City of London.

Congratulations to Anthony Hucker on this appointment!

Southeastern Grocers