As initially reported by sister publication The Grocer, George Dean, currently the director of commercial development at Ocado, will temporarily succeed Chitnis.
Ocado confirmed Chitnis’s departure when contacted by Food Manufacture but did not disclose specifics regarding the transition period.
Chitnis joined Ocado in December 2023 after a decade at Tesco, where he served as UK grocery director in his final role.
Prior to his position at Tesco, he was the director of trading at Booker Wholesale, a Tesco subsidiary, for over two years.
Earlier this week, Ocado Retail CEO Hannah Gibson informed suppliers about this leadership change, emphasizing that promoting Dean would “ensure a seamless leadership transition.”
“He brings a wealth of commercial experience and strong, strategic leadership,” added Gibson.
In response to the news, Kirk Brazier, growth director at ESA Retail, commended Chitnis for his contributions at Ocado. He suggested that Chitnis’s exit might stem from misalignment with broader strategic objectives.
“Amit Chitnis played a key role in reshaping Ocado’s supplier strategy and championing emerging brands—moves aligned with broader industry shifts toward differentiated, margin-friendly offerings,” Brazier told Food Manufacture.
“His relatively short tenure suggests potential strategic misalignment or just the pressures of operating in a capital-intensive, low-margin environment.”
“For the sector, this exit reflects ongoing volatility in leadership at digital-first grocers as they navigate cost inflation, tightening credit, and changing consumer behavior post-pandemic. More than ever, the customer experience will be key for Ocado customers in an increasingly competitive market. The next step for Ocado will be closely watched, not only for their strategic direction but as an indicator of how online supermarkets will balance growth with profitability in a scrutinized, competitive landscape.”
