Last updated on June 13th, 2024 at 11:49 am
Industry veteran Brian Haaraoja will succeed Peter J. Ciacco as president and CEO of Price Chopper Enterprises (PCE). Haaraoja joined Kansas-based Price Chopper on Feb. 25 and will transition fully to the role by mid-April when Ciacco retires.
Haaraoja most recently served as VP of marketing and merchandising of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma-based HAC Inc., parent company of Homeland stores. He has extensive grocery experience, including divisional and departmental VP roles with SpartanNash in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Shaw’s in New England and Giant Food, which is based in Landover, Maryland.
After graduating from Western Michigan University with a bachelor of science degree in food distribution, Haaraoja began his career with Jewel Foods in Chicago.
“I look forward to Brian’s contributions to this organization,” Ciacco said. “The board is confident in Brian’s ability to lead Price Chopper moving forward. He is a proven leader whose experience and industry knowledge will greatly benefit our enterprise.”
PCE is responsible for the marketing, advertising, ad coordination and shared business operations for 52 Price Chopper stores in the Kansas City area. The stores are locally owned by the Cosentino, Ball, McKeever and Queen families. PCE also provides services for the four Price Chopper stores in Des Moines, Iowa, that are operated by Associated Wholesale Grocers subsidiary DGS.
