Laura Shapira Karet, CEO for 11 years, is out

PITTSBURGH — Giant-Eagle appointed Bill Artman, a nearly 40-year company veteran who most recently served as president of supermarkets, to the post of interim chief executive officer. He replaces Laura Karet, who has served as CEO since 2012.

“After much consideration, I’ve decided to move on to the next chapter of my life and leave Giant Eagle,” Karet said in a statement. “My tenure at Giant Eagle has been incredibly rewarding, and I have been privileged to guide the organization through intricate challenges and unprecedented achievements. I am immensely proud of my colleagues and our collective efforts, which, thanks to our talent and tenacity, have allowed Giant Eagle to not only persevere but also flourish in recent years. Today, Giant Eagle boasts $11.5 billion in sales and operates nearly 500 stores.

“Our team consistently works to provide top-quality products and services to our customers and endeavors to make a positive impact on our communities. It has been an honor to contribute to this mission, and as I look ahead to my next chapter, I will be taking some much-needed time with my family.

“I would like to express my gratitude to all our Team Members for your unwavering commitment to our communities and for embodying the spirit of teamwork. I take great pride in what we have accomplished together.”

Karet had joined Giant Eagle in 2000 as vice president of marketing and was later promoted to senior vice president and president of new formats. In that role she led the development and launch of the company’s Market District concept. She became CEO in 2012. Karet is also part of one of the five families that founded Giant-Eagle in 1931. Her father, David Shapira, led the company from 1980 until 2011, and before that her grandfather, Saul Shapira, held the reins from 1968 until 1980.

Artman began his career at Giant-Eagle nearly 40 years ago as a customer service clerk bagging groceries. He has since held numerous leadership positions within the organization. In 2021, Artman was named president of supermarkets, overseeing supply chain operations, retail innovation, real estate and construction, retail operations, merchandising, independent retailing/non-banner, and culinary operations.

Giant-Eagle’s announcement of Artman’s appointment also noted that lead independent director Bart Friedman has been appointed chairman of the board. Friedman, who has served on the board for more than two years, will be the first non-family chairman in the company’s history.

Giant Eagle operates stores in western Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana.