The Giant Company names new execs

The Giant Company announced today that Brian Lorenz has been named vice president of omnichannel fresh merchandising and Kathy Sweigert has been named vice president of the Mid-Atlantic division. Lorenz will report directly to John Ruane, president of The Giant Company, while Sweigert will report directly to Dave Lessard, senior vice president of operations, customer experience and perishable distribution. Both appointments are effective Nov. 27.  

“Brian and Kathy bring vast experience to our business, with more than 40 years of retail grocery experience between them, and have a strong understanding and appreciation of the needs of our team, customers, and the communities we serve,” said John Ruane, president, The Giant Company. “I am excited to see them grow in their new roles and continue to contribute to The Giant Company in meaningful ways.” 

In his new role, Lorenz will lead omnichannel fresh merchandising, including the produce/floral, meat/seafood, and deli/bakery departments, while Sweigert will oversee retail operations at 100 Giant and Martin's stores across Central and Western Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.  

Lorenz joined The Giant Company in 2014 as district director. He has held a variety of positions across the Ahold Delhaize USA family of companies including district director and portfolio lead. Most recently, Lorenz served as category director, bakery/deli, a position he has held since 2018. Prior to joining The Giant Company, he held a variety of positions at Walmart and Tops Markets.  

In 2023, Lorenz received the company’s highest honor, the Presidents’ Award, for consistently delivering exceptional performance. ​ 

Sweigert has been a team member since 2000 and has held several roles with the company, from an entry-level, part-time position to store manager and regional director.​ Most recently, she served as director of human resources, a position she has held since May 2022. 

In 2018, Sweigert was honored as the FMI – Food Industry Association Store Manager of the Year and the YWCA of Harrisburg as a “Woman of Excellence” for her professional and philanthropic contributions to the Capital Region in 2017.