Albertsons Companies, a leading U.S. food and drug retailer, has announced the appointment of Allison Pinkham as Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, effective February 16, 2026. Pinkham brings over 25 years of executive leadership and human resources experience, making her a pivotal addition to Albertsons’ senior leadership team during a transformative period for the company.
Pinkham most recently served as Chief Human Resources Officer and Executive Committee Member at Galderma, a global leader in dermatology. In this role, she oversaw a comprehensive people strategy during a critical phase of growth, guiding the company from private equity ownership to a successful public offering. Her leadership at Galderma exemplifies her ability to translate complex business objectives into innovative human resource strategies that drive organisational performance and engagement.
“As Albertsons Companies continues its growth and transformation, Allison Pinkham is a proven leader who will play a key role in advancing a strong people strategy, enhancing leadership capabilities, and fostering a vibrant culture that engages associates,” said Susan Morris, CEO of Albertsons Companies. “Her track record of aligning business goals with forward-looking HR strategies makes her an ideal leader to help drive our strategy to earn Customers for Life.”
Before her tenure at Galderma, Pinkham served as Chief People Officer at Heineken USA and held senior human resources positions at Boehringer Ingelheim, managing teams across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. She also possesses a diverse background beyond HR, with experience in marketing, management consulting, and technology at prestigious companies such as Mastercard, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Accenture. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech and is active in advisory and nonprofit leadership.
“It is an incredibly exciting time to join Albertsons Companies,” Pinkham said. “What excites me the most is working alongside dedicated leaders and teams to build on the company’s strong foundation and shape a people strategy that empowers every team member to thrive while delivering excellent service to our customers.”
Human resources have long been recognised as a critical driver of business success, particularly in large-scale retail operations. Effective HR leadership is not only about managing teams—it is about fostering an environment where talent can flourish, innovation is encouraged, and strategy can be executed efficiently. Pinkham’s appointment underscores Albertsons’ commitment to leveraging human capital as a strategic asset, ensuring that associates are motivated, equipped, and aligned with the company’s broader objectives.
Albertsons Companies operates 2,243 retail food and drug stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 well-known banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, and Tom Thumb. The company also operates 1,708 pharmacies, 404 fuel centres, 22 dedicated distribution centres, and 19 manufacturing facilities. In 2024, Albertsons contributed over $435 million in food and financial support to communities, including more than $40 million through its Nourishing Neighbours Program.
Allison Pinkham succeeds Mike Theilmann, who retired in November 2025. Her appointment represents not just a continuation of leadership excellence at Albertsons, but also a renewed focus on the strategic role of human resources in building organisational resilience and growth. As the company continues to expand and innovate, Pinkham’s experience, determination, and vision will be essential in cultivating a culture where employees are empowered to succeed—and customers are consistently served with excellence.