Allegiance Retail Services Elevates Industry Veteran Samer Rahman to President and Chief Operating Officer
July 28, 2026 | 2 min to read
ISELIN, N.J. – Allegiance Retail Services, LLC, a leading marketing and merchandising co-op supporting independent supermarkets across the Northeast, has announced the promotion of Samer Rahman to President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Rahman, who currently serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, will assume his new responsibilities immediately, driving operational excellence and strategic growth across the co-op’s multi-banner network.
In his new role, Rahman will oversee all daily business operations, integrated supply chain logistics, store services, and merchandising strategies. He will focus on accelerating store growth, optimizing member profitability, and enhancing the competitive footprint of independent banners including Foodtown, Pathmark, Gristedes, and D’Agostino.
“Samer represents the absolute best of the grocery industry,” said Jason Ferreira, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Allegiance Retail Services. “As a third-generation grocer with over 35 years of deep operational roots, he brings an unmatched blend of tradition, innovation, and strategic execution to the role. Over the last decade at Allegiance, Samer has consistently lowered costs for our members, elevated our merchandising programs, and built deep trust with our vendor community. We are thrilled to elevate him to President and COO, where his visionary leadership will continue to empower our independent owners and steer our co-op toward a prosperous future.”
Rahman’s career spans more than three and a half decades of continuous growth within corporate and independent grocery sectors, including impactful tenures at Pathmark, A&P, and Food Bazaar. Since joining Allegiance in 2013, he has climbed steadily through the ranks—serving as Director of Meat & Seafood, VP of Perishables, and VP of Center Store—before his most recent tenure as EVP and Chief Merchandising Officer. His industry leadership was recently celebrated by the New Jersey Food Council (NJFC) at their prestigious “Night of Distinction.”
“I am incredibly honored to step into the role of President and Chief Operating Officer at such a pivotal time for independent retail,” said Rahman. “Our independent supermarket owners are the heart and soul of the communities they serve. I look forward to working closely with our exceptional corporate team and our dedicated members to drive operational efficiencies, launch innovative store programs, and build on the incredible momentum we have established at Allegiance.”
About Allegiance Retail Services
Allegiance Retail Services, LLC supports independent supermarkets (e.g., Foodtown, Freshtown, D’Agostino, Gristedes, Pathmark, Pathmark Daily, LaBella Marketplace, Brooklyn Harvest, Market Fresh, Big Deal Food Market, Green Way Markets, and Shop n Bag) for retail success by providing them with marketing, advertising, technological and merchandising support.