The basics:

• Samer Rahman is Allegiance Retail’s new president, COO
• Rahman succeeds Joseph Fantozzi, effective immediately
• He will oversee operations, supply chain and merchandising
• Allegiance supports more than 125 independent supermarkets

More leadership changes are underway at Allegiance Retail Services LLC.

In a July 27 press release, the Iselin-based supermarket cooperative promoted Samer Rahman as its next chief operating officer and president, effectively immediately.

Since joining Allegiance in 2013, Rahman has climbed steadily through the ranks from director of meat & seafood to vice president of perishables to vice president of center store. He was most recently executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

His three-and-a-half decades of supermarket industry leadership was celebrated in 2024 during the New Jersey Food Council’s annual “Night of Distinction,” too.

A legacy grocer

Allegiance CEO and Chairman Jason Ferreira said Rahman “represents the absolute best of the grocery industry.”

“As a third-generation grocer with over 35 years of deep operational roots, he brings an unmatched blend of tradition, innovation, and strategic execution to the role. Over the last decade at Allegiance, Samer has consistently lowered costs for our members, elevated our merchandising programs, and built deep trust with our vendor community.

“We are thrilled to elevate him to President and COO, where his visionary leadership will continue to empower our independent owners and steer our co-op toward a prosperous future,” he said.

Rahman succeeds Joseph Fantozzi. Allegiance selected Fantozzi as president and chief operating officer in December 2023 after he served in an interim capacity when John Derderian moved into a reduced role with the organization.

Additional information was not immediately available on Fantozzi’s next steps.

Rahman’s promotion comes about two months after Allegiance named Ferreria as its next CEO. His predecessor, Lou Scaduto, held the posts following the passing of Daniel Katz in November 2022.

Allegiance characterized Ferreira’s advancement as “part of the board’s succession development plan.” It also noted that Scaduto voluntarily stepped down “to help ensure a smooth leadership transition.”

‘A pivotal time’

Allegiance’s network of more than 125 independent supermarkets across the Northeast includes Pathmark, Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest Market, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, Food Basics and Shop ‘n Bag.

As part of his new role, Rahman will oversee all daily business operations, integrated supply chain logistics, store services and merchandising strategies, according to Allegiance. He’ll also focus on accelerating store growth, optimizing member profitability and enhancing the competitive footprint of banners like Foodtown, Pathmark, Gristedes and D’Agostino, the co-op said.

Rahman said, “I am incredibly honored to step into the role of president and chief operating officer at such a pivotal time for independent retail. Our independent supermarket owners are the heart and soul of the communities they serve. I look forward to working closely with our exceptional corporate team and our dedicated members to drive operational efficiencies, launch innovative store programs, and build on the incredible momentum we have established at Allegiance.”