Loblaw is announcing the hiring of Per Bank as president and CEO replacing Galen G. Weston in the role as Canada’s top grocer.

Weston was the face of the family grocery store chain for years, and took the brunt of the criticism during the inflationary run-up in prices as a result, in part, of the COVID-19 pandemic. He and other grocery store chains were accused of various nefarious offences and even appeared in front of a parliamentary committee where NDP leader Jagmeet Singh questioned him about the company’s sky-high profits while everyone suffered through sky-high grocery prices.

Then, most recently, Weston was criticised again for, essentially, giving himself a massive million-dollar raise.

The Weston family has been reported as being the third-richest in Canada with a net worth estimated at over $8 billion.

As a result, Weston seems to have become everyone’s favourite corporate punching bag, and maybe the impact of that has taken its toll on the 50-year-old executive.

But, according to a news release, Weston will remain chair of the Loblaw board of directors, as well as chair of the board of directors and chief executive officer of parent company, George Weston Limited. So, out of the limelight but still in charge.

The new executive, Bank, has heaps of retail management experience. He is the outgoing CEO of Salling Group A/S, the largest retailer in Denmark.

“Over the past two years, we have strengthened the foundations of the company. Our management team is exceptional, and our 220,000 colleagues continue to deliver for our customers every day,” said Weston. “In Per we have found a world-class retail executive to help us build from that position of leadership and strength, and to continue on that journey.”

“Loblaw is admired worldwide for its sound values, long history of innovation, and the strong execution that has made the company what it is today,” said Bank. “I am truly excited to join the team and build on the ongoing success of my future colleagues.”