Grocery Outlet Announces Changes to Its Board of Directors
Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. has announced changes to its board of directors and senior leadership team, with Michael Kobayashi and Lawrence "Chip" Molloy joining the company in key roles. The appointments are part of the company's efforts to drive growth and profitability, aligning with the recently appointed CEO Jason Potter's vision.
Michael Kobayashi, a 20-year industry veteran, brings significant retail leadership expertise to Grocery Outlet. He has held senior executive roles at Tuesday Morning and has recently joined the company in June 2025. Kobayashi's background in leading retail operations positions him to contribute to Grocery Outlet’s strategic execution and expansion efforts.
Lawrence "Chip" Molloy, a familiar name in the grocery industry, most recently held the CFO role at Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. Molloy's proven financial leadership experience at highly regarded growth-oriented retailers will complement efforts to sharpen the focus on further driving strong investment returns and greater profitability at Grocery Outlet. Molloy has also served as interim CEO at Torrid Holdings Inc., CFO at Under Armour, Inc., and CFO of PetSmart LLC.
The addition of Kobayashi and Molloy to the leadership team is expected to enhance operational execution, optimize store productivity, and support strategic initiatives that aim to strengthen Grocery Outlet’s market position and profitability.
In addition to the leadership appointments, Grocery Outlet Holding Corp. has announced changes to its board of directors. Kenneth Alterman and Thomas Herman will retire from the board on August 7, leaving eight of the 10 board members as independents. The new board members, Kobayashi and Molloy, have been appointed to serve on the board's audit and risk committee.
Grocery Outlet offers products through a network of independently operated stores at more than 520 locations in various states across the U.S. The company is ranked No. 65 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2025 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America.
Molloy is a current board member at Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc., Pet Valu Holdings Ltd., and BRC Inc. (Black Rifle Coffee Company). Kobayashi currently serves as an advisor to Ross Stores, Inc.
The changes in the board and leadership team reflect the company's commitment to periodic board refreshment and focus on executing its growth plan and enhancing shareholder value. Eric Lindberg, chairman of Grocery Outlet's board of directors, has stated, "These changes align with our broader efforts to execute our next phase of growth under new CEO Jason Potter, who previously led The Fresh Market and has more than 30 years of grocery retail experience."
The appointments of Kobayashi and Molloy do not seem to be related to any recent news, such as the lawsuit against Grocery Outlet over alleged deceptive pricing, Heritage Grocers Group’s appointment of a Chief Administrative Officer, Hormel Foods' new president and interim CEO, or the induction of a Harris Teeter leader into the 2025 Refrigerated Food Hall of Fame.
[1] Potter, J. (n.d.). Jason Potter. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-potter-87b428/
[2] Grocery Outlet. (n.d.). Grocery Outlet. Retrieved from https://www.groceryoutlet.com/
- Michael Kobayashi's retail leadership experience from companies like Tuesday Morning and his current role at Grocery Outlet, along with Lawrence "Chip" Molloy's financial leadership background at retailers like Sprouts Farmers Market, will bolster Grocery Outlet's business operations, contributing to growth and profitability.
- The addition of Kobayashi and Molloy to Grocery Outlet's board and leadership team, respectively, is part of the company's commitment to industry-specific expertise and finance, focusing on enhancing operational execution, optimizing store productivity, and increasing shareholder value.
