Methuen Mayor Urges Market Basket Board to Reinstate CEO Amid Executive Firings

Methuen Mayor David P. Beauregard Jr. has publicly called on Market Basket's board to reinstate CEO Arthur T. Demoulas, who has been on paid leave amid a leadership dispute. The mayor expressed concern that ongoing internal conflicts, including the recent firing of two longtime executives allied with Demoulas, could harm the company’s culture and the community that relies on Market Basket stores. Beauregard emphasized the importance of the grocery chain to local families for affordable groceries and jobs, warning that the company is drifting dangerously off course. The board fired Director of Operations Joseph Schmidt and Grocery Director Tom Gordon over allegations of insubordination and inappropriate behavior, which the executives deny, claiming a pre-planned coup led by Demoulas' sisters, who are majority shareholders. The mayor compared the current turmoil to a similar 2014 family feud that ended with public support for Demoulas' return, underscoring the need to end the behind-the-scenes drama before irreversible damage occurs. Market Basket’s board maintains that company operations, including profit-sharing and family ownership, will continue unchanged regardless of leadership shifts.