Newly Designated Chief Administrative Officer Announced at Heritage Grocers Group
Heritage Grocers Group Announces Key Executive Appointments and Promotions
In a series of strategic moves, Heritage Grocers Group, a leading grocery retailer operating in six states, has announced several key appointments and promotions within its executive team.
Leticia G. Espinoza, a seasoned professional with over 25 years of legal experience, has been appointed as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of Heritage Grocers Group (HGG). Espinoza joined the Cardenas Markets banner in 2019 as general counsel and corporate secretary, and was later promoted to chief legal officer in 2021. Her impressive tenure at HGG has been recognised by Progressive Grocer, who chose her as a Top Woman in Grocery (TWIG) in the Senior-Level Executives category in 2022 and 2025.
Espinoza's expertise spans across corporate law, labor and employment law, legal department management, human resources, compliance, risk management, construction, real estate, and financial services. In her new role as CAO, she will oversee real estate, loss prevention, corporate affairs, communications, legal, risk management, and human resources across all Heritage banner companies.
Accompanying Espinoza's appointment, Heritage Grocers Group has also promoted Kim Cates to group VP of merchandising and Allison Garcia to group VP of marketing. These promotions underscore the company's commitment to fostering internal growth and development.
In a separate development, Matthew Holt has been named the new CFO of Heritage Grocers Group, succeeding Darren Karst who retired. Holt brings a wealth of financial expertise to his new role, and is expected to contribute significantly to the company's continued growth and success.
Heritage Grocers Group operates a total of 114 stores under its four banners: Cardenas Markets, El Rancho Supermercado, Tony's Fresh Market, and Los Altos Ranch Market. The company is ranked No. 70 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer's 2025 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.
CEO Suzy Monford, who recently took over the helm of Heritage Grocers Group, discussed the growth trajectory of the company's 3 brands in an interview with Progressive Grocer. Monford highlighted customer-first initiatives, including partnerships with Instacart, Caper, and RELEX, as key drivers of the company's success.
Espinoza reports directly to HGG Chairman and CEO Suzy Monford, and serves on the board of directors for several charitable foundations, including the Cardenas Markets Foundation, the Heritage Grocers Group Foundation, Manos y Corazones Unidos Foundation, Olive Crest Roundtable, and the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance. Espinoza is also the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award from the Mexican American Bar Foundation.
Leticia Espinoza earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School. Her impressive career in the grocery retail sector is a testament to her dedication, leadership, and contributions to the industry. For those seeking more detailed information about Espinoza's career, professional profiles such as LinkedIn, company press releases, or industry-specific publications are recommended.
In line with Heritage Grocers Group's strategic moves, Leticia G. Espinoza, an accomplished professional with a diverse background in finance, legal, and human resources, has been promoted to the position of Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), overseeing various departments and reporting directly to the CEO. This appointment underscores the company's commitment to fostering internal growth and development within business careers, such as merchandising, marketing, and finance.
Moreover, the promotion of Kim Cates to group VP of merchandising and Allison Garcia to group VP of marketing further emphasizes the company's dedication to leadership development within the business sector, as these promotions reflect a focus on career progression and personal growth.
