Veteran Market Basket Supervisor Suspended Amid Leadership Turmoil and Growing Employee Backlash

A growing leadership crisis at Market Basket has taken a dramatic turn as Paul Quigley, a district supervisor with 44 years of service, has been suspended after raising concerns about the company’s direction following the sidelining of its well-known CEO, Arthur T. Demoulas.

Quigley, who began his journey at the company bagging groceries as a teenager, now finds himself on paid administrative leave after decades of service and loyalty. The suspension, which began after he reported for work at 5:30 a.m. on July 4, has fueled concerns among employees about a culture shift that appears to discourage open dialogue.

“I kept asking, ‘What is the end game here? What are we doing? Who is running this place?’ No answers,” Quigley said, explaining his growing unease over the company's direction after Arthur T. was removed in May 2025.

The board has stated Quigley's leave is due to “disruptive behavior” and claims he was undermining colleagues. However, many inside the company view this differently, describing his actions as those of a concerned leader seeking clarity in an increasingly uncertain environment.

Tensions Rise After CEO's Departure

The upheaval began when the Market Basket board placed Arthur T. Demoulas, a beloved figure among both employees and customers, on administrative leave. The board alleged he was planning a work stoppage and trying to install his children in key executive positions, a move it claimed violated governance norms.

The situation has revived painful memories from 2014, when Arthur T. was ousted in a bitter power struggle with his cousin, Arthur S. Demoulas. That ouster led to widespread employee protests and customer boycotts, eventually forcing a reversal and resulting in Arthur T.’s return after shareholders sold him a controlling interest.

Now, with Arthur T. again sidelined, fears of a deeper takeover have resurfaced.

“This is a takeover,” Quigley declared. “If the boss was in that office, things would be back to the way they should be. Him running this company, leading us in the direction he’s led us all these years.”

Internal Rift Widens Among Executives

Market Basket’s leadership has been further strained as at least nine senior executives have been placed on leave in recent weeks. Among them are Joe Schmidt, director of operations, and Tom Gordon, director of grocery, both of whom have publicly defended Quigley.

“There has not been a day in the history of Market Basket where Paul Quigley has not done his job,” Schmidt stated.

“It’s troubling that they would put a guy like that out just because he wants to know what’s going on with the boss,” added Gordon.

The pair also raised alarms about the current leadership environment, saying employees now feel unable to express their views without fear of reprisal.

“This company has never been a place where you couldn’t voice your opinion,” said Schmidt. “Now people are scared.”

Looking Ahead

Market Basket’s board has not announced when its internal investigation will conclude. Quigley’s suspension is expected to last until September 30, though no final decision has been made regarding his long-term status with the company.

While the board insists “business as usual” is ongoing and the company culture remains strong, those on the inside suggest otherwise. Many fear that open communication and the family-first ethos that once defined Market Basket are now at risk.

“It’s a shame that this great company is being tossed into turmoil over what seems like a succession plan,” said Gordon.

As the situation unfolds, Market Basket employees and loyal customers alike are watching closely, hoping that the chain known for its strong community bonds can once again find its footing.