Grocers' Heritage Corporation Designates New Chief Administrative Executive
Heritage Grocers Group (HGG), a leading Hispanic and ethnic food retailer in the U.S., has announced the appointment of Leticia G. Espinoza as its Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and General Counsel. The company, which operates under banners such as Cardenas Markets, El Rancho Supermercado, Tony’s Fresh Market, and Los Altos Ranch Market across six states, ranks No. 70 on Progressive Grocer's 2025 list of top food retailers in North America.
Espinoza brings over 25 years of legal experience to her new role, with more than two decades in executive in-house roles for both publicly traded and privately owned organizations. She joined Cardenas Markets as general counsel and corporate secretary in 2019 and was later promoted to chief legal and human resources officer at Heritage Grocers Group.
In her new position, Espinoza will oversee real estate, loss prevention, corporate affairs, communications, legal, risk management, and human resources across all Heritage banner companies. She will report directly to HGG Chairman and CEO Suzy Monford.
Espinoza's leadership and dedication to the company's people and mission have been recognized by HGG's Chairman and CEO. She has been instrumental in key executive roles during significant leadership transitions at Heritage Grocers, including the exit of the former CEO and the creation of an Office of the CEO.
Espinoza's accomplishments extend beyond her role at HGG. She has been named among Progressive Grocer’s 2025 Top Women in Grocery, highlighting her leadership and impact in the grocery industry. She has also served on the board of directors for several organizations, including the Cardenas Markets Foundation, the Heritage Grocers Group Foundation, Manos y Corazones Unidos Foundation, Olive Crest Roundtable, and the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance.
In addition to Espinoza's appointment, Heritage Grocers Group has announced the promotions of Kim Cates and Allison Garcia to Group VPs of merchandising and marketing, respectively. The company is also partnering with Instacart, Caper, and RELEX to define what it means to be a modern Hispanic and tech-forward grocer.
[1] Progressive Grocer’s 2025 Top Women in Grocery: https://www.progressivegrocer.com/top-women-in-grocery [2] The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2025 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America: https://www.progressivegrocer.com/pg-100 [3] Heritage Grocers Group's leadership transitions: https://www.progressivegrocer.com/heritage-grocers-group-leadership-transitions [4] Tech initiatives and Double Up Texas benefits expansion at El Rancho Supermercado stores: https://www.progressivegrocer.com/heritage-grocers-group-expands-double-up-texas-benefits-el-rancho-supermercado-stores [5] Suzy Monford's discussion on the growth trajectory of HGG's 3 brands: https://www.progressivegrocer.com/suzy-monford-discusses-growth-trajectory-heritage-grocers-group-s-3-brands
- Leticia G. Espinoza's leadership in the grocery industry has been acknowledged as she was named among Progressive Grocer’s 2025 Top Women in Grocery.
- Beyond her role at Heritage Grocers Group, Espinoza serves on the board of directors for various organizations, including those functioning in finance, retail, and business domains such as the Cardenas Markets Foundation, the Heritage Grocers Group Foundation, Manos y Corazones Unidos Foundation, Olive Crest Roundtable, and the Arizona Food Marketing Alliance.
