Consumer products and insights expert Stuart Aitken (pictured left) will settle into a new role as Circana’s CEO and president, effective January 1, 2025. 

Aitken will take the reins from former president Kirk Perry (pictured right), who is retiring from the C-suite and transitioning into a seat on the data analytics firm’s board of directors in the new year. Coming off a four-year stint as chief merchant and marketing officer at Kroger, Aitken used analytics and consumer insights to guide the launch of more than 600 new products at the US supermarket chain this year alone. 

Prior to joining Kroger, he served as CEO at 84.51˚ (Ohio) and dunnhumby (London), both of which specialize in retail data science and insights. 

In his new role, Aitken is tasked with leveraging his extensive experience in the retail, tech and analytics sectors to drive growth and create more value for Circana’s global client base. 

Perry became Circana’s CEO two years ago after spearheading the strategic merger between rival analytics firms IRI and NPD Group.