Odonna Mathews, Giant of Landover's Veteran Consumer Exec, to Retire
LANDOVER, Md. -- Odonna Mathews Giant Food's consumer advisor, has said she will retire after 33 years at the company, effective Sept. 30. She has selected her own successor, Andrea Astrachan, from her consumer affairs team, the company said.
Mathews began her distinguished career in the grocery business as a summer intern in Giant's consumer affairs department while still a student at the University of Maryland. She became director of consumer affairs in 1977 when her predecessor left to take a position in the Carter administration. In 1984 Mathews was promoted to v.p., and in that role initiated partnerships between Giant Food and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; the Food and Drug Administration; the National Cancer Institute; and the Produce for Better Health Foundation, among other organizations.
Mathews will continue to provide advice and counsel on consumer issues to Giant after her retirement, the company said. Marc Smith, Stop & Shop/Giant's c.e.o. said of Mathews, "Whether working with customers, advocating for changes to our business, or pioneering consumer programs, Odonna has affected our customers and our business in a positive and meaningful way. Her understanding of and commitment to our customers has made her a role model in our company and in the food industry."
Mathews began her distinguished career in the grocery business as a summer intern in Giant's consumer affairs department while still a student at the University of Maryland. She became director of consumer affairs in 1977 when her predecessor left to take a position in the Carter administration. In 1984 Mathews was promoted to v.p., and in that role initiated partnerships between Giant Food and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; the Food and Drug Administration; the National Cancer Institute; and the Produce for Better Health Foundation, among other organizations.
Mathews will continue to provide advice and counsel on consumer issues to Giant after her retirement, the company said. Marc Smith, Stop & Shop/Giant's c.e.o. said of Mathews, "Whether working with customers, advocating for changes to our business, or pioneering consumer programs, Odonna has affected our customers and our business in a positive and meaningful way. Her understanding of and commitment to our customers has made her a role model in our company and in the food industry."