Get to Know Katie Otte,
Executive Store Leader Westfield Market District

We recently caught up with Katie Otte, Executive Store Leader for our newest Market District location in Westfield, IN. She gave us the inside scoop on all things Market District and revealed her favorite Market District product. Hint: It will satisfy your sweet tooth.

Let’s dig in!

Tell us about your career journey. When did you begin working

with Giant Eagle?

I completed an internship with Giant Eagle as a rising senior at Ohio State University and accepted my first full-time position as a Cash Office & Service Desk clerk upon graduation. That was 13 years ago, and I have been here ever since! Most of my time has been in the Columbus market in various positions, but I'm excited to take on the role of Executive Store Leader at Westfield Market District as we expand into Indiana.

That’s quite a career so far! What has kept you at Giant Eagle all these years?

Many Team Members have supported my career growth at Giant Eagle. Early in my tenure, a Store Leader named Dan Davis took me under his wing. Dan is now happily retired and still makes time to connect with me to see how I am doing. One thing that is special about Giant Eagle and Market District is that everyone is treated like family - there’s a support group no matter where you go. And Dan is just as excited about my new opportunity as I am.

What experiences during your time with Giant Eagle stand out to you?

One of the best experiences has been my involvement in Giant Eagle’s Business Resource Groups. I am currently serving on the Team Member Engagement Committee for the Women's BRG. Together we have done many great things within our local communities, like volunteering at the Mid-Ohio Food Collective before Thanksgiving with the goal of providing meals for 600 local families.

How does Market District differ from other grocery stores? What can Team Members and Guests expect?

Our Westfield Market District is going to be different than your typical grocery store because we're going to offer a variety of unique and exciting foods as well as everyday food staples. We're also very excited to be part of the expanding and growing Westfield community and want to be as involved with our community as possible.

Tell us, what goes into opening a new location?

Opening a new location is an exciting experience. We're working with cross-functional teams across the enterprise, so you get to see how all the teams come together to support a new location. One of the most important phases of this process is hiring the best team to support the new store. We are hiring for various positions. If you are passionate about food, Market District is the place for you!

What are you most looking forward to about the new Westfield location?

What I'm looking forward to most is meeting a need in the community while expanding our presence in the Indianapolis market. We are continuing to expand our footprint in Indianapolis and create new opportunities for Team Members to grow with us.

Last question but we’re dying to know – What is your own favorite Own Brands item?

My favorite own brand item is actually a line of items. I love our Market District seasonal items. Right now, my favorite item is the Market District Lemon Pop cakes. The S'mores flavored Pop cakes are another favorite. We also have a ton of great items for the holidays, like our Holly Jolly Mix. So, the new seasonal items for Market District are always an exciting thing to look forward to each year!

How can someone apply for a position at the Westfield Market District?

If you are interested in applying at our Westfield Market District, click here or stop by our Carmel Market District location to learn more!