San Francisco Bay Area retailer Andronico’s Community Markets recently announced the appointment of Suzy Monford as its new CEO.

Monford’s plans include innovating the formats of ACM’s five stores—with eventual store expansion—and utilizing the latest technology available in the grocery industry to drive value and energize the shopping experience. Chief among her priorities are an emphasis on speed and convenience, including bringing on delivery app Instacart throughout the chain by mid-summer, and developing a new fitness- and health-centric shopping portal called Fit Shop.

Through Fit Shop, customers will have access to healthy living tips and resources, including Andronico’s “food rules” and recipe guides. These guides will reach beyond the plate to also offer lifestyle tips addressing issues from good sleep habits to stress management to exercise. “This is a program that ties together all areas of our lives, and adds in a natural focus on fitness through shopping, eating, exercising and entertaining,” said Monford, a certified health coach. Instacart will provide customers with shopping lists right at their fingertips, customized for local, clean label, low-sodium, low-sugar and other health priorities.

Monford also plans to enhance Andronico’s role as a community fitness resource by inviting local health coaches into the stores and introducing customers to “the best class in holistic fitness options that exist in our community,” she said. Future plans include fun runs and sponsoring local races.

“We may be a small company, but we’ll be brilliant with data and digital,” Monford said. “We’re going to marry traditional brick-and-mortar mercantile with best of class tech in order to create a relevant shop for today.” 

Monford most recently held the role of head of innovation for Woolworth’s, the largest retailer in Asia Pacific, where she was recruited to lead strategic change and international joint ventures. Previously, she founded Food Sport International, working with Coles Supermarkets in Australia as her primary client. Other clients include Cheers Inc., a restaurant corporation in Texas, where she worked as CEO/president. Monford has served on the executive board of directors for both the San Antonio Mayor’s Fitness Council and the YMCA, and actively teaches fitness and health in her community.