Dollar General has overhauled its senior leadership team, promoting longtime executive Emily Taylor to chief operating officer in a move that expands her oversight across nearly every major function of the business.
Taylor, who joined the company in 1998 and most recently served as chief merchandising officer, will assume the COO role on 16 November.
She will now lead store operations, the global supply chain, merchandising, marketing and digital, real estate and store development, decision science and process improvement.
Taylor has held senior positions across merchandising, pricing, planning, FP&A and investor relations. She became CMO in 2020 and previously spearheaded the creation and launch of the Popshelf format as senior VP of channel innovation.
Earlier this year, she was named one of Chain Store Age’s 2025 Retail’s Top Women Awards honorees.
“Emily’s strategic vision and tenured understanding of the vital role DG plays in our customers’ lives will be invaluable as she expands her responsibilities as COO,” said CEO Todd Vasos.
“During her tenure, Emily and her team have consistently enhanced the shopping experience both in-store and through various digital and delivery initiatives, elevated the Dollar General and Popshelf brands, and improved operational efficiency, benefiting customers across the more than 20,000 communities we serve.”
The company also announced a series of complementary promotions.
Bryan Wheeler has been appointed executive VP and chief merchandising officer, overseeing consumable and non-consumable merchandising, global sourcing, merchandise operations, global inventory management and in-store experience for both Dollar General and Popshelf.
Wheeler joined the business in 2006 and has served as senior VP, general merchandise manager since 2017.
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Pooh Vichidvongsa, previously senior VP of Popshelf, returns to the Dollar General banner as senior VP and general merchandise manager, taking responsibility for family care categories, including paper, home cleaning, pet and health and beauty, along with private-brand strategy. Vichidvongsa has been with the retailer since 2008.
Shareeka Meadows has been promoted to senior VP of Popshelf.
She will oversee the full Popshelf business, including merchandising, marketing and store operations. Meadows joined Dollar General in 2012 and has held leadership roles across apparel, stationery and merchandising.
“Elevating and expanding the roles of Bryan, Pooh and Shareeka recognizes the ongoing contributions of these three leaders, aligns with our strategic growth across merchandising, and supports an operating priority to invest in the growth and development of our teams,” Vasos said.
“With a strong, experienced leadership team in place across store operations, supply chain, and merchandising, the company is well-positioned to advance under Emily’s leadership as COO.”
Dollar General also said that, effective 12 November, it has eliminated the role of executive VP of strategy and development. Steve Deckard, who held the position, has departed the company.
As of 1 August 2025, the retailer operated 20,746 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and Popshelf locations in the U.S., as well as Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico.
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