Aldi U.S., the American division of the German discount supermarket chain with 64 locations in New Jersey, promoted Chief Operating Officer Atty McGrath to U.S. CEO. She succeeds Jason Hart, who was promoted to the executive board of Aldi South as group chief operating officer, the fast-expanding company announced Friday.
McGrath has spent nearly 20 years at Aldi in a variety of roles, including district manager, director of operations, division vice president, and chief operating officer.
Rapidly expanding Aldi announced in March 2024 that it planned to open about 800 stores over the next five years. Aldi said it intends to open 225 stores this year, which the company said would be the most the company will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history. Aldi opened its first American store in Iowa in 1976.
In a press release, the discount grocer said it has opened 55 stores this year and has 75 more planned for the summer.
“On behalf of the entire Aldi U.S. team, I extend heartfelt thanks to Jason for his unwavering dedication and remarkable leadership,” said incoming Chief Executive Officer Atty McGrath. “I am excited to build upon our momentum, expand our footprint and continue adapting to serve our customers.”
Hart will begin in the new role overseeing the company’s global operations out of Aldi headquarters in Salzburg, Austria, on Sept. 1. During Hart’s decade in the CEO position, Aldi’s U.S. presence has nearly doubled, jumping to o 2,500 stores in 39 states from 1,300 stores in 32 states.
“I am honored to take on this new role with Aldi supporting our global business,” Hart said. “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.”
