CEO Michael Medline to Retire From Empire
Empire Co. Ltd. CEO Michael Medline revealed plans to retire from the Canadian food and pharmacy retailer next spring.
Empire, which is the parent company of Sobeys, Foodland and several other banners, has created a special committee to find the company’s next chief executive.
"[Medline] has been the true embodiment of a resilient, adaptable and courageous business leader since joining Empire more than eight years ago," Jim Dickson, chair of the board of Empire, said in a media release. "Not only did he lead the difficult transformation and turnaround of what at the time was a struggling business, he has since steered Empire on its current growth trajectory, delivering immense value for shareholders in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace, including skillfully navigating the unprecedented headwinds of a global pandemic and the worst inflation in four decades. He did all of this while also revitalizing Empire's organizational culture as well as serving as the staunchest and most passionate advocate for our company and the broader Canadian grocery industry."
As CEO, Medline led the company through two transformation initiatives — Project Sunrise and Project Horizon. Empire invested approximately 2.5 billion Canadian dollars to grow its store network and distribution assets. Under his tenure, the company also acquired grocery chains Farm Boy in 2018 and Longo’s in 2021, which solidified Empire’s Southern Ontario presence, and grew the FreshCo discount banner in Western Canada.
The company also invested in building its e-commerce arm, Voila, and revamping its loyalty program through the 2022 launch of Scene+ with co-owners Cineplex and Scotiabank.
Medline assumed the role of president and CEO of Empire and Sobeys Inc. in 2017. Prior to that, he served as CEO of Canadian Tire. He formally steps down in May 2026.
Empire Names New CFO
Empire announced that Matt Reindel, its executive vice president and chief financial officer, is retiring from the company. Reindel joined Empire in 2019 and was named CFO in 2021.
Constantine (Costa) Pefanis, who most recently served as CFO of Green Infrastructure Partners, will assume the post in May. Reindel will stay on over the next several months as Pefanis transitions into his new role.
