After more than five decades with Village Super Market Inc. – including the last seven years as CEO and board chairman – Robert Sumas is passing the torch to the next generation at the family-owned grocery business.

Following Robert Sumas’ Dec. 13 departure, his son, John Sumas, will become CEO, and his nephew, Nicholas Sumas, will take on the role of president and board chairman, the Springfield-based company announced.

A director since 2009 and co-president since 2018, John Sumas has has held several supervisory positions since beginning with Village in 1987, such as chief operating officer, general counsel and vice president.

During Nicholas Sumas’ 30-year tenure at Village, he’s been chief marketing officer and vice president. Named as a director in 2009, he was appointed co-president nine years later. Nicholas Sumas is also an executive officer with Wakefern and member of the co-op’s board of directors.

According to Village, Robert Sumas will remain with the company as a senior advisor to the executive team in order to ensure a smooth transition of duties. Additionally, he plans to continue to serve on Village’s board of directors.

Board updates

Founded in 1937 by brothers Perry and Nick Sumas, Village is one of the largest members within Keasbey-headquartered Wakefern’s family. It operates 34 supermarkets across four states under the ShopRite, Fairway and Gourmet Garage banners.

Robert Sumas, the son of Village’s co-founder Nick Sumas, began with the business in 1969. Over the past 50-plus years, he’s held various executive posts, including vice president, chief operating officer and board director.

He was appointed as CEO and vice chairman of the board in 2017. Robert Sumas previously served as president from 2009-2018.

Village also announced its board will not fill a vacancy following the death of William Sumas, Robert Sumas’ cousin. As a result, the number of members on the board will drop from 10 to nine, effectively immediately.

William Sumas, Village’s chairman, passed away in July at the age of 77 following a four-month battle with cancer. His career in the industry began 64 years ago when he joined Village, following in the footsteps of his father and company co-founder, Perry Sumas.

Take a look:

This spring, Village Super Market opened the ShopRite of Old Bridge store was with fanfare. Click here for a photo tour.