Trailblazer Award, Presented by Progressive Grocer and Network of Executive Women (NEW), Recognizes Russello as One of Most Influential Women in Grocery
SALISBURY, N.C., Nov. 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Nov. 9, Kathy Russello, EVP, People Systems and Services, for Retail Business Services, the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, was honored with the 12th Annual Trailblazer Award from Progressive Grocer and Network of Executive Women (NEW) at the groups’ Annual Top Women in Grocery Gala in Chicago, Il.
“On behalf of our whole family of associates, congratulations to Kathy on this honor,” said Roger Wheeler, president of Retail Business Services. “Kathy’s storied career and passion for others makes her very deserving of this recognition, and it perfectly represents the expertise, commitment and care that exists throughout our company.”
With this award, Russello, who has held leadership roles in Ahold Delhaize USA companies for the past 23 years, joins the ranks of the most influential women leaders in the industry, recognized for her efforts to build the next generation of female leaders in grocery retail.
“Our responsibility as leaders is to bring out the best in others, develop people, focus on their strengths, help them excel in all they do,” Russello said during remarks at the event. “Don’t underestimate the power of motivating and helping one person, who then does the same for the next and the next and so on.”
“Hold close the value of care and make a difference in people’s careers and life. Remember, for beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone,” added Russello, quoting legendary actress Audrey Hepburn, who has been an inspiration to Russello.
With more than 30 years of human resources and grocery retail experience, Russello began her career in store operations with Mayfair Supermarkets, in Elizabeth, N.J. In 1995, she joined Ahold USA and provided human resources support for the New York area for Edwards and Stop & Shop. Throughout her career, she has continued to take on progressively challenging leadership positions within human resources and labor relations.
Russello is passionate about the grocery retail business and a strong advocate for people, whom she believes are the heart of the business, and their ongoing development. Additionally, she's a longtime champion of community engagement. Russello is currently president of the Ahold Delhaize USA Family Foundation and previously served on the Board of the New Jersey Food Bank.
About Retail Business Services
Retail Business Services, LLC, is the services company of Ahold Delhaize USA, currently providing services to six East Coast grocery brands, including Food Lion, Giant Food, GIANT/MARTIN'S, Hannaford and Stop & Shop, as well as the country’s largest online grocery retailer, Peapod. 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 Services, Private Brand Products, Pharmacy Services, Sourcing, Not for Resale, Store Services, Financial Services, Legal Services, Communications, Supply Chain and People Systems and Services. For more information, visit www.retailbusinessservices.com.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/efd5a2fe-1d4e-4516-8a18-6522bd94ac84
CONTACTS:
Christy Phillips-Brown
704-310-2221
Erin DeWaters
704-310-3884