Former Fonterra and Simplot Australia executive will take over at Albertsons in January as the supermarket operator works to reduce costs, simplify operations and improve financial performance.
BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Companies (NYSE:ACI) has named Andrew Murray chief financial officer, effective Jan. 17, 2027, bringing in an experienced finance and corporate transformation executive as the supermarket operator works to improve profitability and strengthen its competitive position.
Murray will succeed Cody Perdue, who has served as interim CFO since Sept. 30. Perdue will remain with Albertsons as senior vice president of treasury, investor relations and risk management.
The appointment, announced Nov. 10, comes during a period of significant operational and financial restructuring at Albertsons, which has been working to reduce costs, simplify its organizational structure and improve returns following disappointing financial results.
“Andrew is a highly respected senior leader with strong expertise in driving profitable growth and large-scale business transformation which will be invaluable during this critical turnaround time at Albertsons,” said Susan Morris, CEO of Albertsons Companies.
Morris said the company’s priorities include simplifying operations, improving decision-making, reinvesting savings in customer value and increasing long-term shareholder returns.
Extensive Food Industry and Financial Experience
Murray currently serves as group CFO of Fonterra Co-Operative Group, the New Zealand-based dairy cooperative and one of the world’s largest dairy exporters.
At Fonterra, he oversees finance, corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, transformation, information technology, financial trading, shared services and procurement.
He joined Fonterra in 2023 as CFO of global markets before being promoted to group CFO in 2024.
Previously, Murray served as CFO of Simplot Australia, where his responsibilities included finance, corporate strategy, legal affairs and information technology.
His earlier experience includes leading global finance transformation at Toll Group and holding senior finance positions at Mondelez International, first overseeing Australia and New Zealand and later the Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa region.
Murray holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in accounting and economics from the University of Strathclyde. He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants and has completed Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.
He will relocate from New Zealand to Boise before assuming his new position.
Appointment Comes During Albertsons Restructuring
Murray’s arrival follows a difficult period for Albertsons, which reported a sharp decline in second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings and withdrew its financial guidance amid mounting operational and competitive pressures.
The company has been seeking to improve efficiency while maintaining investments in pricing, digital capabilities and customer experience.
The appointment also follows several changes to Albertsons’ board of directors, including the October addition of Harmit Singh, executive vice president and chief financial and growth officer of Levi Strauss & Co. Singh brings extensive experience in corporate transformation, cost management and operational improvement.
Together, the leadership changes place additional emphasis on financial discipline and execution as Albertsons works to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive grocery market.
“Albertsons has a significant opportunity ahead, and I am pleased to be joining the company during this important time,” Murray said. “Together with Susan and the leadership team, we will drive growth and deliver meaningful value for customers, associates, communities and shareholders.”
Albertsons operates 2,240 stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 22 banners, including Albertsons, Safeway, ACME, Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s, Vons, Tom Thumb and Kings Food Markets.
The company also operates 1,709 in-store pharmacies, 408 fuel centers, 22 distribution centers and 19 manufacturing facilities.
Murray will assume responsibility for Albertsons’ financial operations as the company enters 2027 with improving profitability, controlling expenses and strengthening its balance sheet among its principal priorities.