Retail Business Services Announces the Retirement of Kathy Russello, Executive Vice President, People Systems And Services
November 5, 2020
Russello to Retire at Year End After Distinguished Career
Quincy, Mass.– Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, today announced the retirement of Kathy Russello, Executive Vice President, People Systems and Services, after 43 years of dedicated and distinguished service with Retail Business Services and the companies of Ahold Delhaize USA. Russello will retire at year-end and remain in an advisory capacity with the company in 2021.
"Kathy has been an excellent leader for our organization and we're extremely appreciative of her many contributions," said Roger Wheeler, President of Retail Business Services. "Under her leadership, she has led People Systems and Services, organizational development, training, diversity and inclusion, recruiting and talent management for the organization. She also played an integral role in the successful merger of Ahold and Delhaize, leading human resources, organizational development and design, among other areas. We thank Kathy for her dedicated service and wish her all the best during retirement."
Russello began her career in store operations with Mayfair Supermarkets in Elizabeth, N.J., before transitioning to senior level executive roles in human resources and labor relations. She has significant experience in both grocery retail and human resources. In 2018, Russello received Progressive Grocer's prestigious Trailblazer Award, which honored her many accomplishments in the retail grocery industry and her advocacy for women in retail.
"Kathy has been a strong advocate for people her entire career," added Wheeler. "In everything she does, she always puts people first and strongly believes they are the heart of the business, and is deeply committed to associates' ongoing development."
In addition to her career accomplishments, Russello has been a longtime champion of community engagement. She is an active volunteer for the New Jersey Food Bank, where she is also a former Board member, and currently serves as President of the Ahold Delhaize USA Family Foundation. Russello will retire on Dec. 31, 2020.
About Retail Business Services Retail Business Services, LLC, is the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, currently providing services to five East Coast grocery brands, including Food Lion, The GIANT Company, Giant Food, Hannaford and Stop & Shop. Retail Business Services leverages the scale of the local brands to drive synergies and provides industry-leading expertise, insights and analytics to local brands to support their strategies with services including Information Technology, Merchandising, Marketing & Sourcing Services, Private Brand Products, Pharmacy Services, Not for Resale, Store Services, Financial Services, Legal Services, Communications, Supply Chain and People Systems and Services. For more information, visit www.retailbusinessservices.com.