Market Basket CEO Arthur T. Demoulas Ousted by Board in Sudden Power Shift

Market Basket #60 located 30 General Way, Reading, MA

The following is a press release from CEO Arthur T. Demoulas

“Today, Mr. Arthur T. Demoulas was ousted from his position as President and CEO of Market Basket by his three sisters and their three appointed board members – Jay Hachigian, Steven Collins, and Michael Keyes. His daughter, Madeline, and son, Telemachus, and several other Market Basket executives were also placed on leave. 

Under Mr. Demoulas’ leadership in December of 2024, the company paid off $1.6 billion in debt that financed the purchase of the company in 2014. The company is currently operating at its peak performance and the notion that this board is going to conduct an investigation is a farcical cover for a hostile takeover.” – Justine Griffin, spokesperson for Mr. Demoulas

The following is a press release from the Market Basket Executive Committee

TEWKSBURY, MA -The Executive Committee of the Market Basket Board of Directors today placed CEO and minority shareholder Arthur T. Demoulas and several other employees on paid administrative leave, effective immediately while an investigation is conducted into the CEO’s conduct. The investigation will include a review of credible allegations that Mr. Demoulas began to plan a disruption of the business and operations of Market Basket with a work stoppage. The Executive Committee believes that Mr. Demoulas and others have taken these steps as improper retaliation for the Board’s directives requiring the CEO to work with the Board regarding the most basic corporate oversight and to provide the Board access to key employees. Mr. Demoulas has also resisted an appropriate succession plan for Market Basket, asserting that he has the unilateral right to appoint his children to succeed him without any consideration of the view of the Board or the majority owners of Market Basket.

At a time of great economic uncertainty for many households, such work stoppages would significantly harm and broadly disrupt Market Basket’s stores and operations across New England, as well as its valued customers, associates, and vendors.

“Market Basket stores provide a place that our local communities consistently count on for both their livelihoods and daily needs—the Board has a responsibility to safeguard the company’s effective operations now and well into the future,” said Steven J. Collins, Director of Market Basket.

While on leave, Mr. Demoulas will continue to be paid his full salary and share in all company distributions. During this time, the Board will rely on the existing dedicated management team at Market Basket to ensure that the operations of the 90 stores will be uninterrupted and maintain the quality, experience, and superb service that customers expect and enjoy.

There will be no changes for the company’s dedicated associates in their jobs, salaries and benefits, including the company’s profit-sharing plan, and the ownership of the business will not change. For shoppers, Market Basket will continue to provide its customers superior products and service at prices they have come to expect.

Mr. Collins emphasized that Market Basket takes pride in operating with unwavering integrity that aligns with high standards, treating the company’s associates with respect, and consistently delivering “More For Your Dollar” value to its customers.

About Market Basket

Market Basket is a New England-based supermarket chain known for its commitment to customer service and competitive pricing. It was founded in 1917 by Athanasios and Efrosini Demoulas and has grown to 90 stores across the region. Market Basket is particularly recognized for its employee-focused culture and its reputation for exceptional customer service.