Aldi has promoted Aldi U.S. CEO Jason Hart to the executive board of Aldi South as group chief operating officer; Atty McGrath, currently chief operating officer, will assume the Aldi U.S. CEO role, the company says.
Hart will help oversee the company’s global operations in Salzburg, Austria, effective Sept. 1, according to a news release. During his decade-long leadership as Aldi U.S. CEO, Hart has led the rapid expansion and development of the Aldi brand, overseeing the store count nearly double from 1,300 in 32 states to 2,500 across 39 states, the company says.
“I am honored to take on this new role with Aldi supporting our global business,” Hart said in the release. “The growth and positive development of the Aldi brand we’ve achieved together in the U.S. is a tribute to our incredible teams across the business. I look forward to working with Aldi teams around the globe to drive our growth and success.”
Aldi says it is committed to maintaining continuity in leadership as part of the transition with McGrath’s promotion to CEO of Aldi U.S. McGrath has spent her entire 20-year career with Aldi, holding a variety of positions ranging from district manager, director of operations, division vice president and COO.
“On behalf of the entire Aldi U.S. team, I extend heartfelt thanks to Jason for his unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership,” McGrath said. “I am excited to build upon our momentum, expand our footprint and continue adapting to serve our customers.”
Aldi U.S. plans to open 800 new stores over the next five years, with a target of more than 225 locations opening this year alone, a record for the retailer. Aldi U.S. has already opened 55 stores this year, with 75 more locations set to open this summer in key growth markets such as Arizona, California, Florida and South Carolina, as well as established markets like the Midwest and Northeast, according to the release.
