Raley’s Chief Information Technology Officer Craig Benson says farewell after epic 27 year run at retailer
Craig Benson has announced his departure from American grocery retailer, where he held the role of Chief Information Technology Officer. In a LinkedIn post, he said: “After 27 years with The Raley’s Companies, I am stepping away from my role as Chief Information Technology Officer, closing a chapter that has significantly shaped my professional life.”
In a LinkedIn post, he said: “I began my journey with Raley’s in 1999 as a helpdesk intern on the technology team, focused on learning, contributing, and carving a path in technology. I could not have anticipated that this opportunity would evolve into nearly three decades filled with work, relationships, challenges, and leadership.”
He added: “Throughout the years, I had the privilege of serving in various areas of technology and eventually leading Technology Services for The Raley’s Companies. I take pride in the work our teams accomplished together to support stores, strengthen critical systems, modernise platforms, integrate new capabilities, and guide the business through meaningful change. What I will cherish most are not any specific projects or titles, but the people.”
“The colleagues who became mentors, partners, problem solvers, and friends. The teams that showed up during challenging times. The business partners and vendors who collaborated with us through complexity and change. And the many individuals across Raley’s, Bashas’, FieldTRUE, and the broader technology community who placed their trust in me along the way.”
Benson concluded: “This decision is personal and thoughtful. It is the right time for me to focus on family, take a breath after many years of responsibility, and contemplate what the next chapter may hold. To everyone who has been part of this journey, thank you. I am grateful for the trust, partnership, lessons, and friendships. I look forward to staying connected.”
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.
