Metro Inc. chief executive Eric La Flèche will retire from his role in late September after more than 18 years at the helm of the grocery giant, the company announced on Tuesday.
Marc Giroux, the current chief operating officer, will succeed La Flèche as CEO effective Sept. 27.
La Flèche will remain at the company as chairman of the board of directors, while the current chair, Pierre Boivin, will be appointed vice-chairman and lead director. Giroux will also join the board upon his promotion.
“It has been a privilege to lead Metro and to work alongside such talented and dedicated teams across our stores, distribution centres and offices,” La Flèche said in a press release. “I am proud of what we have accomplished together. Alongside my colleagues on the board, I look forward to Metro’s continued success under Marc’s leadership.”
Boivin said La Flèche has been an exceptional leader for nearly two decades, creating substantial value for shareholders by delivering consistent growth and guiding the company through significant strategic milestones, notably the acquisition of Groupe Jean Coutu in 2018.
La Flèche joined Metro in 1991 and held a number of roles, including executive vice-president and chief operating officer from 2005 to 2008, before becoming president and CEO in April 2008. He was named Canada’s Outstanding CEO of the Year in 2020.
Metro said the appointments are the culmination of a robust, multi-year succession planning process led by the board.
“Marc Giroux is a proven leader with deep knowledge of Metro’s operations, culture and strategic priorities as well as a clear vision for the future, and his appointment underscores the strength of Metro’s internal talent pipeline,” the company said.
Giroux joined the company in 2009 and held progressively senior roles spanning marketing, merchandising and operations as well as digital and e-commerce. As current COO, he leads the Québec and Ontario food divisions as well as supply chain, marketing, loyalty and digital strategy.
“My priority will be to build on (Eric’s) foundation — continuing to execute our strategy, supporting our people and partners, and keeping our customers at the centre of every decision as we move forward,” said Giroux.
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