Erik Keptner Snags Chief Marketing and Merchandising Officer Position

Rite Aid Corporation has named Erik Keptner to the newly created position of senior vice president and chief marketing and merchandising officer.

Keptner is a proven leader with more than 20 years of experience in retail marketing. In this position, he will be responsible for all aspects of marketing and merchandising, reporting to Bryan Everett, Rite Aid’s chief operating officer.

“Erik is an experienced retail executive who has proven that he can integrate and manage all aspects of an organization’s marketing and merchandising assets to provide great customer experiences, operate efficiently and deliver growth,” said Everett. “We’re excited to welcome Erik to our team as we continue to integrate our marketing and merchandising teams and enhance our omnichannel presence to deliver a seamlessly connected customer experience that drives growth. We will benefit tremendously from his knowledge and expertise as we accelerate these critical efforts.”

Keptner most recently served as SVP of marketing for Wakefern Food Corporation, the nation’s largest retailer-owned cooperative. In this role, he led digital commerce and analytics, advertising, corporate merchandising, own brands and digital media.

Prior to his time at Wakefern, he had a 20-year career with Ahold Delhaize and its Giant Food Stores division. There, he served in various roles of increasing responsibility including EVP of marketing and SVP of sales, marketing and merchandising. While in these roles, Keptner led efforts to enhance the company’s loyalty program, accelerate digital marketing and e-commerce, evolve store formats and merchandising programs, and create a culture focused on making consumer-centric data-driven decisions.

Keptner’s appointment is effective June 24. Bill Renz, SVP of category management, who has also been leading the marketing team as the company transitioned to a new organizational structure, will continue to play a key role in leading the Rite Aid category management and merchandising teams.