Tony Hoggett calls time on SVP Worldwide Grocery Stores role at Amazon and eyes next step in career

Tony Hoggett, SVP Worldwide Grocery Stores at Amazon, is leaving the online retail giant as it continues to struggle to make inroads in to the hugely competitive grocery space.

A former Tesco executive, Hoggett started at Amazon in January 2022, and served on the company’s senior leadership team. His last day there will be 1st November.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: “After nearly three years at Amazon, it’s time for the next step in my career. My time there has been incredible, and I’m grateful to my colleagues for their support, guidance and friendship.”

“I’m optimistic about the work Amazon is doing to improve the grocery shopping experience for customers, and have no doubt the teams will keep the momentum going in my absence. I’ll be cheering you all on.”

Hoggett did not give further details as to his next career move.

An Amazon spokesperson said: “After nearly three years of leading our grocery business, helping guide the organization to new levels of impact, and building a strong team that will continue to make grocery shopping simpler, faster, and more affordable, Tony Hoggett has decided to leave Amazon.”

“We thank him for his many accomplishments at Amazon and especially for what he’s delivered for customers.”

Brittain Ladd, a supply chain consultant and former Amazon executive, commented: “Tony is a highly experienced executive and I truly wish him the best of health and success. Now what?”

“The brutal truth is that Amazon remains a laggard in the grocery industry. I have been a vocal critic of the company. I have a right to be since I was the first person to recommend to it to acquire Whole Foods. Amazon has incredible potential in groceries but I vehemently disagree with the current strategy.”

Ladd argues that Amazon is wasting time, money and effort on workarounds at Whole Foods Market, and that Amazon Fresh is not the right physical store format to scale.

A much better grocery replenishment and fulfilment strategy is also needed.

It must also “own the kitchen.” Amazon needs to rethink the way Americans eat, Ladd believes. There are opportunities for it to partner with food companies and grocery retailers.

He commented: “Walmart has big plans for their grocery business. Walmart has 21% market share and Amazon barely has 3%. Amazon acquired Whole Foods in 2017 yet little has changed. Something is broken and in my opinion, it’s the lack of leadership.”

“Amazon has the potential to become the largest grocery retailer between 2030 and 2035, but they must become more aggressive; name a skilled and hard charging leader; and design a better strategy.”

2024 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

Grocery retail is a key focus area for the sixth edition of the RTIH Innovation Awards, which are now closed for entries.

The awards, sponsored by CADS, 3D Cloud, Brightpearl by Sage’s Lightning 50, Business France, and Retail Technology Show 2025, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Key 2024 dates

Friday, 25th October: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 29th October: 2024 shortlist revealed

30th October-6th November: Judging days

Thursday, 21st November: Winners announced at the 2024 RTIH Innovation Awards ceremony, to be held at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London.