Grocery retailer Chedraui USA appoints company veteran Brandon Smetak as Chief Financial Officer

Brandon Smetak has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at Chedraui USA, a grocery retailer with stores across California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas and whose banners include El Super, Fiesta Mart and Smart & Final.​

In a LinkedIn post, Chedraui USA said: “Brandon comes from our Smart & Final banner, where he has been a trusted and respected leader since 2017, helping guide the business through a period of significant change and growth.”

It added: “As a company focused on evolving and growing, we’re excited for what’s ahead and the leadership he will bring to this next chapter. Congratulations, Brandon - well deserved!”

Nobia

Rasmus Sylvester Nørgreen Laursen recently left Bestseller, where he spent six years, most recently serving as Interim Chief Financial Officer. He is moving to Nobia, a Swedish company which owns various European kitchen related firms, to take on the role of CFO.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "After six fantastic years with Bestseller, the time has come for me to move on. It has been a privilege to be part of a company and culture defined by strong entrepreneurship, speed, trust and high ambitions.”

“Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with exceptionally talented colleagues, build strong teams, and contribute to strengthening our finance organisation and performance agenda. I am truly grateful for the trust, the responsibility and the many learnings along the way."

He added: "At the same time, I am excited to share that I will be joining Nobia as CFO. Nobia is at an important stage in its journey, and I am very much looking forward to working with the teams to drive performance, strengthen the financial foundation and support the strategic direction of the company."

"Transitions always come with mixed emotions - gratitude for what has been, and excitement for what lies ahead. I leave Bestseller proud of what we have built and confident in the strong teams that will continue the journey. Thank you to everyone I have had the pleasure of working with - I hope our paths cross again. I look forward to this next chapter."

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Grocery retail will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards are now open for entries and celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.