One of the most recognizable leaders in the Canadian grocery and retail sector, Michael Medline, has announced he will retire as president and CEO of Empire Company Ltd., (EMP-A-T) and its wholly-owned subsidiary Sobeys Inc., in May of 2026.

The announcement, made by Stellarton, N.S.-based Empire Thursday morning, sets in motion a year-long succession process for the position. 

Medline’s successor will have large shoes to step into. He took the reins at Empire in January 2017 and led what at the time was a struggling grocery empire to an impressive revival.

Today, Empire’s share price has tripled during his tenure, the company has delivered average annual adjusted EPS growth of 15 per cent, and made major expansions to its retail banners and store networks across the country.

"Michael has been the true embodiment of a resilient, adaptable and courageous business leader since joining Empire more than eight years ago," Jim Dickson, the chair of Empire’s board of governors, said in the announcement. "Not only did he lead the difficult transformation and turnaround of what at the time was a struggling business, he has since steered Empire on its current growth trajectory, delivering immense value for shareholders in a dynamic and ever-changing marketplace, including skillfully navigating the unprecedented headwinds of a global pandemic and the worst inflation in four decades.

“He did all of this while also revitalizing Empire's organizational culture as well as serving as the staunchest and most passionate advocate for our company and the broader Canadian grocery industry. I am incredibly grateful for Michael's leadership and look forward to working with him in the coming year as he and his team continue to drive the company's growth."

Empire's progress under Medline

Empire now has approximately $31.1 billion in annual sales and $16.8 billion in assets, including its significant ownership stake (over 40 per cent) in Crombie REIT (CRR-UN-T), which owns many of the retail and distribution properties its stores occupy and/or anchor as tenants. 

Empire / Sobey’s other retail banners include Safeway, FreshCo, Foodland, Farm Boy and Longo's supermarkets.

Medline led the organization through two successive transformation initiatives that spanned over five years and included strategic, structural and operational changes to simplify Empire’s structure, grew sales and reduced costs.

"I am so incredibly proud of the many accomplishments Empire has achieved and the shareholder value we have created over the past eight years," Medline said in the announcement. "Our success has been the direct result of a great strategy, disciplined execution and the dedication and efforts of our 128,000 teammates as well as our excellent leadership team . . ."

"My focus remains on continuing to build on the tremendous progress we have made over the past number of years as our board identifies Empire's next CEO."

Medline's vision has seen the company invest approximately $2.5 billion over the past eight years in the growth and development of its store network and distribution assets. He also spearheaded two significant acquisitions of Ontario-based grocers - Farm Boy (2018) and Longo's (2021) - strengthening the company's presence in the country’s most populous province. 

The expansion of Empire’s FreshCo discount banner into Western Canada and development of a stronger, multi-cultural strategy has targeted the country's expanding South Asian population. 

Empire also invested in building its e-commerce business, Voilà, while reimagining its loyalty program with its launch in 2022 of Scene+ with co-owners Cineplex and Scotiabank.

"There is never a perfect time to retire from a job that you love,” Medline said in the announcement. “It's been the highlight of my career and such an incredible honour to help lead this iconic Canadian company for more than eight years. I take great pride in knowing that I will be leaving the company in good shape for the next CEO.”