Susan Morris named CEO of Albertsons, succeeding Vivek Sankaran. With nearly 40 years of experience, she leads amid industry shifts.
Boise, Idaho – Albertsons Companies, Inc. has announced that Susan Morris, the company’s current Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, will step into the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) following the planned retirement of Vivek Sankaran on May 1. Morris will also join the Albertsons Board of Directors as part of the transition.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the grocery industry, just hours after Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen resigned amid a board investigation into alleged misconduct. However, Kroger clarified that the investigation did not relate to financial performance, operations, or other associates at the company.
A Strategic Leadership Transition
Albertsons emphasized that Morris’ promotion was the result of a carefully planned succession process. Jim Donald, Chair of the Albertsons Board of Directors, expressed confidence in Morris’ ability to lead the company into its next phase of growth.
“Over the past several years, the Board has engaged in a thoughtful and comprehensive succession planning process to identify Albertsons’ next CEO, including evaluating internal and external candidates,” said Donald. “Susan brings nearly 40 years of experience within the company, starting at an Albertsons store in Denver. She has an unmatched understanding of our business, a strong track record of operational success, and deep respect from employees and industry peers alike.”
Morris, who has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2018, has held various leadership positions within the company, including Executive Vice President of Regional Operations and Division President in multiple markets. Her extensive experience in the grocery retail sector positions her well to navigate Albertsons through a rapidly evolving industry landscape.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Morris’ appointment follows the high-profile collapse of the $24.6 billion merger between Albertsons and Kroger, which was blocked by two courts in December 2024. The failed deal has resulted in ongoing legal disputes, including a $600 million lawsuit by Albertsons against Kroger. Had the acquisition been approved, Morris was expected to transition to C&S Wholesale Grocers as CEO of retail, overseeing the 579 stores that Kroger and Albertsons planned to divest in response to regulatory concerns.
“At a time of profound change for the grocery industry, I am honored to be appointed as the next CEO of Albertsons,” Morris said. “I have worked closely with Vivek and the leadership team on our plans to accelerate growth and am confident that we are on the right path with our Customers for Life strategy. I look forward to sharing our vision for fiscal 2025 during the upcoming earnings call.”
Albertsons confirmed that the leadership change is not expected to impact the company’s financial outlook for the remainder of fiscal year 2024. The company is set to report its fourth-quarter earnings on April 28.
Sankaran’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
Sankaran, who has led Albertsons since 2019, played a crucial role in the company’s attempt to merge with Kroger while navigating challenges posed by increasing competition from retail giants such as Walmart and Amazon. His departure marks the end of a significant chapter for the grocery retailer, as Morris steps up to lead Albertsons into its next growth phase.
With the grocery industry undergoing rapid transformation and heightened competition, all eyes will be on Morris as she steers Albertsons through evolving consumer trends and market dynamics.
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