Grocers' Heritage Group Designates New Chief Administrative Leader
Heritage Grocers Group Appoints Leticia Espinoza as Chief Administrative Officer
Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Leticia G. Espinoza as its new Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Espinoza, who previously served as the chief legal and human resources officer at HGG, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Espinoza joined HGG in 2019 as general counsel and corporate secretary for the Cardenas Markets banner. In 2021, she was promoted to chief legal officer at Cardenas Markets. Her extensive background in executive leadership and legal affairs qualifies her for her dual responsibilities as CAO and General Counsel, which combine strategic administrative oversight with corporate legal governance.
As CAO, Espinoza will oversee a wide range of functions, including managing corporate administration and governance, overseeing legal compliance and risk management, and working closely with other senior leaders to steer company strategy and operations. She will also play a key role in executive decision-making processes during the CEO search and beyond.
Espinoza's achievements are likely to involve facilitating smooth executive transitions and ensuring effective administrative and legal frameworks are maintained during this time of change. Her impact has been instrumental in strengthening HGG's organization, particularly during a transitional period following the resignation of former CEO Suzy Monford in July 2025.
In her capacity as General Counsel, Espinoza oversees the legal and administrative functions for the company. She is part of the senior leadership guiding the company during this critical period, and her new role includes overseeing real estate, loss prevention, corporate affairs, communications, legal, risk management, and human resources across all Heritage banner companies.
HGG operates in six states - California, Texas, Nevada, Arizona, Kansas, and Illinois - with a total of 57 stores under the Cardenas Markets banner, 29 stores under the El Rancho Supermercado banner, 21 stores under the Tony's Fresh Market banner, and 7 stores under the Los Altos Ranch Market banner. 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.
In addition to her role at HGG, Espinoza serves 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. She is also the recipient of the Professional Achievement Award from the Mexican American Bar Foundation and was chosen as a Top Woman in Grocery (TWIG) in the Senior-Level Executives category by Progressive Grocer in both 2022 and 2025.
HGG's new CEO, Suzy Monford, shared insights about the growth trajectory of the company's 3 brands in an interview with Progressive Grocer. Monford discussed customer-first initiatives, involving partnerships with Instacart, Caper, and RELEX. The company has also appointed Matthew Holt as the new CFO, succeeding Darren Karst who retired.
Espinoza's appointment as CAO marks a key executive addition to HGG, and her leadership is expected to be crucial for the company's business continuity and organizational stability, especially as it expands and strengthens its presence across multiple states.
In her new role as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Heritage Grocers Group (HGG), Leticia Espinoza will oversee functions spanning various departments, including finance, business administration, and legal affairs. The company's expansion and growth in multiple states will benefit from her extensive background in executive leadership and legal affairs.
Espinoza's leadership will play a significant role in steering HGG's strategic decision-making, as she works closely with other senior leaders to maintain organizational stability and ensure business continuity during the CEO search and beyond.
