Hy-Vee names Jeremy Gosch as CEO of retail operations

In the most recent shift in corporate positions, Hy-Vee Tuesday announced Jeremy Gosch as CEO and president of the West Des Moines-based chain’s retail operations, as well as vice chairman of its board of directors.

Gosch had been president and chief operating officer of Hy-Vee's retail operations.

Gosch will head the company along with Aaron Wiese, who was named as CEO and president of Hy-Vee’s subsidiaries and supply chain. Wiese also will be a board vice chairman.

Both changes will be effective as of Oct. 1.

“As I look ahead to the future, we’ve reached a point where one person can no longer hold the title of chairman, CEO and president for the entire company,” current Chairman and CEO Randy Edeker said in a news release.

“We have become more than just a grocer. With our focus on health and wellness, pharmacy, restaurants, grocery, distribution and digital assets, it’s time we evolved our leadership structure to best position the business for the future, which is why Jeremy will also serve as a CEO for the company.”

Gosch and Wiese will continue to report to Edeker, who will stay with Hy-Vee as board chairman and executive director, according to the release.

The pair will move up in the chain’s leadership during evolving times for retail.

Hy-Vee in April asked “up to 500 additional employees” to move from corporate-level jobs to retail positions at its stores. In March it eliminated 121 corporate-level positions, with 102 of those employees offered retail positions at its stores.

In a full-page advertisement in the April 27 Gazette, the company cited economic challenges and “uncertain times ahead” for the retail food sector.

Gosch started with the chain as a part-time clerk at the Lantern Park Plaza store in Coralville in 1995.

Over the next 12 years he worked his way up to store director at several locations. In 2012, he was promoted to assistant vice president for operations, northeast region. Over the next six years, he held various executive roles and in

2018, Gosch was promoted to executive vice president, co-chief operating officer, chief marketing officer

Late that year he transitioned into chief operating officer. In April 2021, Gosch became president, retail operations and co-chief operating officer.

He was took over in his current position in December 2021.