Heritage Grocers Group CEO Suzy Monford Steps Down, David Hirz Named Chairman

Suzy Monford has stepped down as CEO of Heritage Grocers Group after eight months in the role. David Hirz, former president and CEO of Smart & Final, has been named chairman of the board, and a group of senior leaders will take over CEO duties while the company searches for a replacement. The new CEO executive team includes Prabash Coswatte, Leticia Espinoza, Matthew Holt, and Frank Ingraffia. Heritage Grocers Group operates 115 stores across six states under various banners.

Heritage Grocers Group (HGG), the nation's largest Hispanic and ethnic food retailer, has announced significant leadership changes. Suzy Monford, who had been CEO and chairperson for eight months, has stepped down from her role. David Hirz, an industry veteran with over four decades of grocery retail leadership experience, has been named chairman of the board [1]. A group of senior leaders will take over CEO duties while the company searches for a replacement.

The new CEO executive team comprises Prabash Coswatte, chief operating officer; Leticia Espinoza, chief administrative officer and general counsel; Matthew Holt, chief financial officer; and Frank Ingraffia, chief transformation officer and chief executive officer of Tony’s Fresh Market [2]. Hirz, who has been a key member of the Heritage Board for the past year, will provide strategic oversight and support to the Office of the CEO.

Heritage Grocers Group operates 115 stores across six states, with banners including Cardenas Markets, El Rancho Supermercado, Tony’s Fresh Market, and Los Altos Ranch Market. The company is committed to delivering high-quality, affordable food to the communities it serves [3].

The Board has launched a comprehensive search process for Heritage’s next CEO with the assistance of a leading executive search firm. The search aims to identify a leader who shares the company’s passion for customer service and community for the long-term [2].

References:
[1] https://www.supermarketnews.com/executive-moves/suzy-monford-steps-down-as-ceo-of-heritage-grocers-group
[2] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/07/24/3121262/0/en/Heritage-Grocers-Group-Announces-Leadership-Transition-and-Board-Chair-Appointment.html
[3] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/heritage-grocers-group-announces-leadership-153000197.html