Allegiance Retail Services Promotes Samer Rahman to President and COO

Allegiance Retail Services has promoted veteran grocery executive Samer Rahman to president and chief operating officer, placing him in charge of daily operations and strategic growth across the cooperative’s network of independent supermarkets.

Rahman, who most recently served as executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, assumed the new role immediately. He will oversee integrated supply chain logistics, store services, business operations and merchandising strategy, with a focus on expanding the store network, improving member profitability and strengthening the competitive position of banners including Foodtown, Pathmark, Gristedes and D’Agostino.

“Samer represents the absolute best of the grocery industry,” said Jason Ferreira, chairman and CEO of Allegiance Retail Services. “As a third-generation grocer with over 35 years of deep operational roots, he brings an unmatched blend of tradition, innovation and strategic execution to the role.”

Ferreira said Rahman has helped lower costs for Allegiance members, strengthen merchandising programs and build trust with the cooperative’s vendor community during his more than a decade with the organization.

Rahman joined Allegiance in 2013 and advanced through several leadership roles, including director of meat and seafood, vice president of perishables and vice president of center store. He later became executive vice president and chief merchandising officer.

His career spans more than 35 years across both corporate and independent grocery retail. Before joining Allegiance, Rahman held positions with Pathmark, A&P and Food Bazaar, giving him experience across store operations, merchandising and fresh departments.

“I am incredibly honored to step into the role of president and chief operating officer at such a pivotal time for independent retail,” Rahman said. “Our independent supermarket owners are the heart and soul of the communities they serve.”

He said his priorities will include improving operational efficiency, introducing new store programs and building on the cooperative’s recent momentum.

Rahman’s contributions to the grocery industry were recently recognized by the New Jersey Food Council at its Night of Distinction.

Allegiance Retail Services provides independent supermarkets throughout the Northeast with marketing, advertising, technology and merchandising support. In addition to Foodtown, Pathmark, Gristedes and D’Agostino, its supported banners include Freshtown, Pathmark Daily, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets and Shop n Bag.