Dive Brief:
- Albertsons announced Friday the expansion of its board of directors with the appointment of Brian Rice, who has over 30 years of experience as a technology leader focused on digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
- Rice currently serves as EVP and global CIO at McDonald’s Corporation.
- Making room on its board for Rice underscores Albertsons’ commitment to scaling AI initiatives across its operations.
Dive Insight:
Albertsons has long been an industry frontrunner in technology innovation, so as AI becomes more prevalent in its operations, the company is tapping leaders with a deep understanding of AI.
Rice oversees McDonald’s global technology, digital data and cybersecurity capabilities. Albertsons noted that he has experience partnering with executive leadership teams and boards of directors on technology strategy, cybersecurity, risk management and large-scale transformation initiatives. The announcement noted that Rice also has extensive knowledge of the global supply chain, consumer engagement and digital-first retail.
Rice is also a liaison to McDonald’s board of directors, tasked with overseeing technology matters, the announcement noted.
“Brian is a proven technology and transformation leader who understands how to translate digital innovation into measurable business results,” Albertsons CEO Susan Morris said in a statement, adding that his experience “will be invaluable as we continue to advance our business strategy and our big bets in technology and AI.”
Rice, who joins 10 other members on Albertsons’ board, plans to help Albertsons forge ahead with its focus on digital, technology and AI, he said in a statement.
Albertsons has already made it clear that AI will be a priority for the grocer in 2026, announcing the launch of numerous AI-focused initiatives, pilot programs and capabilities.
In early February, Anuj Dhanda, the grocer’s chief technology and transformation officer, outlined in a company blog four top AI priorities for fiscal 2026: the digital customer experience, merchandising, labor and supply chain.
That same month, Albertsons debuted Celebrations, a digital hub for party planning available across all of its banners’ websites and apps that taps AI to simplify and personalize the customer experience. Albertsons also announced it has joined a pilot program run by OpenAI to test whether conversational advertising formats presented through ChatGPT can drive better consumer experiences.
