Eric La Flèche will be retiring from his role as Metro president and CEO in the fall after 18 years at the helm of Canada’s third largest grocer.

In an announcement made Tuesday morning, the Metro board said chief operating officer Marc Giroux will step into the president and CEO’s role on Sept. 27.

La Flèche joined Metro in 1991 as head of real estate and moved his way through a number of senior leadership roles, including EVP and COO from 2005 to 2008, before being named CEO in April 2008. La Flèche will take on the chairman of the board of directors title, while current chairman Pierre Boivin will move into a vice-chairman and lead director position to assist in the transitionary phase starting in September.

Giroux joined Metro in 2009 and currently leads the Quebec and Ontario food divisions as well as supply chain, marketing, the Moi rewards program and digital strategy.

“Marc’s deep understanding of our industry, focus on operational excellence, financial discipline and customer satisfaction make him the best candidate,” Boivin said in a release. “Eric has been an exceptional leader for Metro for nearly two decades, creating substantial value for our shareholders by delivering consistent growth, reinforcing our customer-first and purpose-driven culture, and guiding the company through significant strategic milestones.”

Boivin also noted La Flèche’s work during the acquisition of Groupe Jean Coutu in 2018 as one of the many highlights of his time as CEO. During his recent tenure, Metro overhauled its flagship brand, Irresistibles, which has become a key sales driver, along with its Selection private label.