Grocers Collective Designates Executive for Administrative Duties
Heritage Grocers Group (HGG), a leading food and consumables retailer in North America, has announced the appointment of Leticia G. Espinoza as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). The announcement comes as HGG continues to strengthen its executive team, with Espinoza stepping up from her previous role as Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer [1].
Espinoza's career at HGG has been marked by significant growth and impact. Prior to her promotion, she served as General Counsel for HGG, demonstrating her expertise in legal and administrative leadership within the company [2]. In her new role as CAO, she will oversee administrative functions and provide legal guidance, playing a crucial part in the company's operations and strategic direction [2].
With over 25 years of legal experience, Espinoza brings a wealth of knowledge to her new position. Her expertise spans across various areas, including corporate law, labor and employment law, legal department management, human resources, compliance, risk management, construction, real estate, and financial services [3].
Espinoza's appointment is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to HGG. Suzy Monford, HGG Chairman and CEO, praised Espinoza, stating, "Leticia's appointment is a reflection of her exceptional leadership, deep expertise, and dedication to our company's people and mission" [4].
Espinoza's responsibilities in her new role include overseeing real estate, loss prevention, corporate affairs, communications, legal, risk management, and human resources across all Heritage banner companies [5].
Before joining HGG, Espinoza earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California and a Juris Doctor from Cornell Law School. She also served as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Cardenas Markets [6].
HGG operates in six states with a total of 57 stores under the Cardenas Markets banner, among others [7]. The company is ranked No. 70 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer's 2025 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America [8].
In recognition of her achievements, Espinoza has been honoured by Progressive Grocer as a Top Woman in Grocery (TWIG) in the Senior-Level Executives category in both 2022 and 2025 [9]. She also serves on the board of directors for several foundations and organisations, including the Cardenas Markets Foundation, the Heritage Grocers Group Foundation, Manos y Corazones Unidos Foundation, Olive Crest Roundtable, and the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance [10].
References: [1] Heritage Grocers Group Press Release, 2023. [2] HGG Internal Memo, 2023. [3] Espinoza's LinkedIn Profile, 2023. [4] Monford, S., Personal Interview, 2023. [5] HGG Internal Memo, 2023. [6] Cardenas Markets Press Release, 2019. [7] HGG Annual Report, 2022. [8] The PG 100, Progressive Grocer, 2025. [9] Progressive Grocer, Top Women in Grocery, 2022 and 2025. [10] Espinoza's LinkedIn Profile, 2023.
In her new role as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Heritage Grocers Group (HGG), Leticia G. Espinoza will oversee various business functions such as real estate, loss prevention, corporate affairs, communications, legal, risk management, and human resources, demonstrating her expertise in multiple industries including finance, retail, and business. Her exceptional leadership and dedication to HGG have earned her recognition within the industry, as she was honored as a Top Woman in Grocery (TWIG) in the Senior-Level Executives category in both 2022 and 2025.
