Title: Principal
Company: Maple Ridge Consulting LLC
Location: Methuen, Massachusetts, United States
Jihad Rizkallah, MS, Principal at Maple Ridge Consulting LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Executives for dedication, achievements and leadership in Construction Project Management and Sustainability Consulting.
Mr. Rizkallah, principal at Maple Ridge Consulting LLC since 2021, has established himself as an expert in consulting services for construction project management, owner representation, sustainability and format design. In his current capacity, he provides guidance to independent grocery stores that lack internal design and merchandising resources. He represents out-of-state developers on local construction sites, manages the construction process and serves as a liaison between site operations and ownership based in New York. Mr. Rizkallah’s responsibilities also include overseeing construction sites, consulting with small grocery store owners, assessing facilities for renovation or new development and advising on site acquisition, leasing or rental for supermarket projects. Furthermore, he coordinates store design efforts and aligns with contractors and vendors, leveraging his extensive industry experience.
Before his current role, Mr. Rizkallah served as the vice president of store planning for Retail Business Services (RBS), a subsidiary of Ahold Delhaize USA, from 2018 to 2021. During this period, he was responsible for the strategic planning and execution of store layouts and designs across multiple retail banners. During this time, he notably oversaw a $32M project for Ahold Delhaize USA & Stop & Shop, a 10-story, 200,000-square-foot headquarters building in Massachusetts. Throughout his tenure with RBS, Mr. Rizkallah’s leadership ensured that each project met operational needs while incorporating innovative design elements to enhance customer experience.
From 2015 to 2017, Mr. Rizkallah served as the vice president of store planning and format development at Fresh Formats LLC, another division of Ahold Delhaize USA. Between 2012 and 2015, he excelled as the vice president of responsible retailing at Ahold Delhaize USA. He played a pivotal role in advancing the company’s sustainability agenda by developing strategies to reduce its carbon footprint and implementing initiatives that supported hunger relief through food donations to local organizations. He also promoted health and wellness among employees and customers by collaborating with regional groups, including the Food Marketing Institute (FMI ELM) in Boston and the Environmental League of Massachusetts. On a global scale, Mr. Rizkallah represented Ahold USA at the Consumer Goods Forum, serving on a committee exploring environmentally friendly natural refrigerants. Under his leadership, the company achieved a 20% reduction in its carbon footprint from 2012 to 2015 and set ambitious zero-waste goals that were realized by his successor.
Affiliated with Ahold Delhaize USA for more than three decades, Mr. Rizkallah began his career with the organization as a construction project manager in 1989. Over the years, he continually progressed, earning roles such as architectural manager, director of store planning and engineering, and vice president of store planning, during which he oversaw the interior design and planning of supermarkets averaging 65,000 to 70,000 square feet. Mr. Rizkallah’s commitment to energy reduction was evident through projects such as installing solar panels on more than 25 store roofs and leading efforts to secure Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certifications for all new constructions by collaborating with the U.S. Green Building Council to develop specific standards. Throughout these positions, he has consistently demonstrated a focus on innovation in store design, energy efficiency and sustainable practices.
Mr. Rizkallah’s academic background includes an associate degree in architectural engineering technology and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology, awarded in 1984 and 1988, respectively. He also completed a Master of Science in engineering management from Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, in 1999. Moreover, Mr. Rizkallah holds certification as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-accredited professional in green and sustainable design from Green Building Certification Inc., as well as an Occupational Safety and Health Administration 10-hour construction safety and health certification.
Mr. Rizkallah’s expertise is further reflected in his active participation with industry organizations, having served on numerous committees and advisory boards for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, Green Retail Decisions and other professional organizations. Civically engaged, he volunteers with The Greater Boston Food Bank, Father Bill’s & MainSpring and Cradles to Crayons, while supporting organizations such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Disabled American Veterans and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Among Mr. Rizkallah’s proudest professional accomplishments were several landmark projects, including leading the development of a new prototype store for Stop & Shop in 2000 after extensive research trips with senior executives across Europe. He also spearheaded the creation of the LEES Low Energy Store, working with a team that included experts from the Rocky Mountain Institute, resulting in a 30% reduction in energy consumption.
In recognition of his professional excellence, Mr. Rizkallah received an award from Ahold Delhaize USA in 2010. He attributes his success to his drive, his ability to set clear goals, his passion for making a positive impact, and the unwavering support of his family, particularly his wife. Mr. Rizkallah looks forward to retiring soon and spending more time with his family.
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