New Seasons Market has a new leader.

Nancy Lebold has stepped down as CEO of the grocery store chain, a company spokesperson confirmed Wednesday. Dave Kauder will take over daily leadership duties as the senior vice president of retail, a newly created position.

“This leadership transition is part of a broader strategic shift within New Seasons Market, designed to enhance the company’s long-term growth and success,” a New Seasons spokesperson said in a written statement.

New Seasons started in Portland around 25 years ago. It’s grown to a grocery chain of 21 stores in the Pacific Northwest with more than 2,500 employees, according to the company.

In 2019, Good Food Holdings bought New Seasons from a private equity firm and other investors. The South Korean retail giant E-mart is the parent company of Good Food Holdings.

The change in local leadership at New Seasons comes as managers are in contract talks with workers at more than half of its stores.

Workers formed the New Seasons Labor Union in 2022. The number of unionized stores has grown to 11 locations in Portland and Beaverton, with the union representing more than 1,000 employees. The union and New Seasons leadership are still negotiating the first contract and continue to disagree on pay increases and benefits.

Lebold had been at the helm of New Seasons since 2021. She grew up in Oregon and went to Oregon State University, according to the New Seasons website. Before joining the New Seasons team, Lebold worked for supermarket chains Winco and Food4Less.

Kauder has been with New Seasons for nine years, according to the company.

“Supported by deep roots in merchandising, marketing and operations, Kauder will now be responsible for the day-to-day at New Seasons Market,” the spokesperson wrote, “and his expertise will continue to drive business success while strengthening the organization’s bond within its community.”

News Source : https://www.opb.org/article/2025/01/09/nancy-lebold-steps-down-as-ceo-of-new-seasons/