A Chat With Chief Merchant: Rebecca Lupfer on Taking Your Career by the Horns and Growing From Internal Audit to the C-Suite

What does it take to lead one of the most critical functions in grocery retail—especially when your path didn’t begin in the aisle?In this episode of Candid with Candidates, Jennifer Hahn sits down with Rebecca Lupfer, Senior Vice President and Chief Merchant at The GIANT Company, to unpack her uniquely well-rounded career journey—from internal audit and strategy to merchandising, operations, CFO and now Chief Merchant.Rebecca shares how she developed her leadership approach across functions, the pivotal moment she stepped away from the familiar, and why effective merchandising today demands both strategic vision and operational discipline.With nearly two decades at Ahold Delhaize and a portfolio that spans 194 stores and 35,000 employees, Rebecca offers actionable insight into:What the Chief Merchant role truly entails—and why it can be misunderstoodHow to lead leaders, not just teams, by setting clear strategic altitudeBalancing short-term execution with long-term strategy by flying at different levelsThe importance of cross-functional experience in executive growthHow to manage complex roles while raising a family and serving on multiple boardsThe mindset shift required when stepping into new territoryWhether you're an emerging leader, retail professional, or someone navigating cross-functional growth, this episode offers thoughtful insight into executive leadership, career mobility, and the evolving demands of modern merchandising.🎧 Listen now to explore how strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the right team can shape not just a company—but a career.Guest Links:Connect with Rebecca Lupfer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccalupfer/ Explore The GIANT Company: https://giantfoodstores.com/ Next Steps:Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone building their career in retail.For more behind-the-scenes stories and career advice follow Jenn on LinkedIn