The Giant Company said recently that, effective today, Brian Lorenz will serve as VP of omnichannel fresh merchandising and Kathy Sweigert will fulfill the role of VP of the Mid-Atlantic division. Lorenz will report to John Ruane, president of The Giant Company, while Sweigert will report to Dave Lessard, SVP of operations, customer experience, and perishable distribution.
“Brian and Kathy bring vast experience to our business, with more than 40 years of retail grocery experience between them, and have a strong understanding and appreciation of the needs of our team, customers, and the communities we serve,” said Ruane, in a statement. “I am excited to see them grow in their new roles and continue to contribute to The Giant Company in meaningful ways."
In his new role, Lorenz will lead omnichannel fresh merchandising, including the produce/floral, meat/seafood, and deli/bakery departments, while Sweigert will oversee retail operations at 100 Giant and Martin’s stores across Central and Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Lorenz joined the retailer in 2014 as district director. He has held a variety of positions across Giant parent Ahold Delhaize USA’s portfolio including district director and portfolio lead. Most recently, Lorenz served as category director, bakery/deli, a position he has held since 2018. Lorenz also has professional experience at Walmart and Tops Markets.
In 2023, Lorenz received the company’s highest honor, the Presidents’ Award, for consistently delivering exceptional performance, contributing to the organization’s success in countless ways, and bringing the company’s purpose to life, according to the retailer.
Sweigert has been with The Giant Company since 2000 and has held several roles, from an entry-level, part-time position to store manager and regional director. Most recently, she served as director of human resources, a position she has held since May 2022.
In 2018, Sweigert was honored as the FMI – Food Industry Association Store Manager of the Year, and by the YWCA of Harrisburg in 2017 as a “Woman of Excellence” for her professional and philanthropic contributions to the Capital Region. She also received Progressive Grocer’s Top Women in Grocery Award in 2016 and 2022.