David Hinojosa will serve as the new Heritage Grocers Group CEO, bringing more than three decades of global grocery leadership to the Southern California-based supermarket operator.
The Ontario, California-based company announced that Hinojosa will guide the organization into its next phase of growth. Company leaders expect him to strengthen operations, expand fresh food offerings, and deepen connections with local communities.
Moreover, the appointment follows a nationwide executive search conducted by the company’s board of directors. The board sought a leader with deep experience in food retail and community-focused grocery operations.
Leadership vision for Heritage Grocers Group CEO
Board Chairman David Hirz said the search focused on identifying a leader whose experience and values align with the company’s mission.
“Over the past several months, the board set out to identify a leader who brings exceptional industry experience and genuinely reflects the values that define Heritage Grocers Group,” Hirz said.
He added that Hinojosa’s leadership style and operational expertise match the company’s commitment to authenticity, freshness, and affordability.
As a result, company executives believe the new Heritage Grocers Group CEO will help accelerate the company’s strategic growth plans across its supermarket banners.
A career built in food retail
Hinojosa brings more than three decades of experience in global food retail. His career spans operations in the United States, Australia, and Asia.
He began working in the grocery industry at age 17. At the time, he worked as a part-time night stocker at Walmart while attending college.
Soon afterward, he joined H-E-B, a Texas-based supermarket chain known for its strong regional presence.
During his 17-year tenure with H-E-B, Hinojosa managed 10 stores and later held several corporate and regional leadership roles.
Those responsibilities allowed him to develop operational expertise across store management, merchandising, and regional retail strategy.
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Global leadership experience
Later, Hinojosa expanded his career internationally.
He served as executive vice president of Metcash in Sydney, Australia. In that role, he helped oversee wholesale distribution and independent grocery networks.
Subsequently, he became chief operating officer of Makro in Bangkok, where he led large-scale retail operations in Southeast Asia.
After returning to the United States, he joined the leadership team at ShopRite in the Northeast.
More recently, Hinojosa served as chief operating officer of Vallarta Supermarkets beginning in 2023. There, he helped guide operational improvements and support store growth.
Growth strategy for Heritage Grocers Group
Now, as the Heritage Grocers Group CEO, Hinojosa will focus on strengthening the company’s leadership in fresh food and expanding its community-driven retail strategy.
The company operates several supermarket banners that cater primarily to Hispanic communities across the United States. Those stores emphasize culturally relevant products, fresh produce, and traditional prepared foods.
Consequently, leadership expects the new CEO to build on the retailer’s strong foundation while expanding its reach.
Hinojosa said he looks forward to continuing the company’s community-focused mission.
“It is an honor and a privilege to join Heritage Grocers Group,” he said.
He added that the company’s commitment to serving diverse communities aligns closely with the values that shaped his career.
Furthermore, he said the company’s emphasis on culture and fresh food makes the organization uniquely positioned for future growth.
Education and industry leadership
Hinojosa earned a Bachelor of Arts in marketing and finance from Whittier College.
He also completed the General Management Program at Harvard Business School and the Executive Food Management Program at Cornell University.
In addition, he serves on the boards of the Western Association of Food Chains and the Food Industry Association.
Industry leaders say his global experience and community-focused approach could strengthen the company’s position in the competitive grocery sector.
Therefore, many analysts view the appointment as a strategic move as Heritage Grocers Group prepares for its next stage of expansion in the U.S. supermarket industry.