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METRO CEO to retire, successor named

METRO Inc. President and CEO Eric La Flèche will retire at the end of the 2026 fiscal year after more than 18 years at the helm of the company. Marc Giroux, currently chief operating officer, to succeed him, effective Sept. 27. In order to support a smooth and orderly transition, the board will appoint La Flèche as chairman of the board of directors, and Pierre Boivin, current chairman, will be appointed vice chairman and lead director, also effective Sept. 27.

The appointments are the culmination of a robust, multi-year succession planning process led by the board, reflecting METRO’s commitment to strong governance and long-term value creation. Giroux is a proven leader with deep knowledge of METRO’s operations, culture and strategic priorities as well as a clear vision for the future, and his appointment underscores the strength of METRO’s internal talent pipeline. Giroux will join the board upon his appointment as president and CEO.

“The board is extremely pleased to appoint Marc Giroux to the position of president and CEO. We are convinced that he is the right leader for METRO’s next chapter. Marc’s deep understanding of our industry, focus on operational excellence, financial discipline and customer satisfaction make him the best candidate to continue delivering long-term value for our customers, employees and shareholders in an ever-changing environment,” said Boivin. 

“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Eric La Flèche for his remarkable contribution to METRO and to the communities we serve," said Boivin. "Eric has been an exceptional leader for METRO for nearly two decades, creating substantial value for our shareholders by delivering consistent growth, reinforcing our customer-first and purpose-driven culture, and guiding the Company through significant strategic milestones, notably the acquisition of Groupe Jean Coutu in 2018.”

“It has been a privilege to lead METRO and to work alongside such talented and dedicated teams across our stores, distribution centres and offices,” said La Flèche. “METRO is well-positioned for continued success, with a clear growth plan, a disciplined approach to execution, a great team and a very solid balance sheet. I am proud of what we have accomplished together. Alongside my colleagues on the board, I look forward to METRO’s continued success under Marc’s leadership.”

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