By: Fred Smith
H-E-B has announced the promotion of Chief Operating Officer Roxanne Orsak to President, effective January 2026. She will succeed Craig Boyan, who will remain on the company’s board of directors and take on a senior advisor role before retiring at the end of 2026. Orsak joined H-E-B in 1988 as a store management trainee and has since held a variety of leadership roles across store operations, merchandising, procurement, format design, and more. She was appointed COO in 2022 and will become the first woman to serve as president in the company’s 120-year history.
“Roxanne is the clear and natural choice to become H-E- B’s next President,” said Howard Butt III, H-E-B CEO. “Her deep knowledge of our business comes from nearly four decades of leadership across many areas of the company. Roxanne leads with integrity, lives our values, and truly appreciates the contributions of every Partner [employee].”
Orsak’s promotion marks a significant milestone not only for H-E-B but also for the broader retail industry, as she becomes the first woman to hold the role of president at the Texas-based grocer. Her journey from a store management trainee to the company’s top executive leadership is a testament to H-E- B’s commitment to developing talent from within and fostering long-term career growth. Her diverse experience across nearly every major function of the business gives her a unique, holistic perspective that is expected to shape H-E- B’s future strategy and continued expansion.
Under her leadership as Chief Operating Officer, H-E-B has strengthened its operational excellence, streamlined supply chain initiatives, and expanded its digital and in-store shopping experiences. Orsak has been instrumental in driving innovation while preserving the company’s customer-first focus and strong community values. As she steps into her new role, Orsak is expected to continue advancing H-E-B’s strategic priorities, including growth in new markets, sustainability efforts, and the enhancement of both employee and customer experiences.
Craig Boyan, who has served as president since 2010, will work closely with Orsak during the transition period to ensure continuity and a smooth handover. His ongoing role as a senior advisor and board member will help preserve institutional knowledge and provide ongoing support during this pivotal change. H-E-B’s leadership team, board, and more than 145,000 Partners across the company have expressed strong support for Orsak’s appointment, viewing it as a natural progression for a respected and seasoned leader who deeply understands H-E- B’s mission and values.
