ALDI US CEO Jason Hart has been promoted to join the Executive Board of ALDI South, where he will help oversee the company’s global operations in Salzburg, Austria. Atty McGrath, currently Chief Operating Officer at ALDI US, will assume the ALDI US CEO role.

Mr Hart, who will take on the new role from September 1, has led ALDI US for a decade, overseeing the rapid expansion and development of the ALDI brand in the region. During this time, the store count nearly doubled from 1300 in 32 states to 2500 across 39 states. ALDI has become the fastest-growing grocer in America, renowned for its employee-first mentality, industry- leading sustainability commitments and pledge to serving customers with the lowest prices of any national grocery store.

“I am honoured to take on this new role with ALDI supporting our global business,” said Mr Hart. “The growth and positive development of the ALDI brand we’ve achieved together in the US 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.”

Incoming CEO Ms McGrath extended a heartfelt thanks to Mr Hart for his “unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership”

“I am excited to build upon our momentum, expand our footprint and continue adapting to serve our customers,” she said.

Ms McGrath brings a wealth of ALDI experience and expertise to her new role.She 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 most recently chief operating officer.

As part of its aggressive growth strategy, 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. Already this year, ALDI US has opened 55 stores 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.