United Natural Foods has appointed Erin Horvath to the position of Chief Operating Officer and Louis Martin has been named President of Wholesale. The appointments are part of a new structure that will align to a four-part transformation program to drive increasing value to UNFI customers and suppliers, efficiency in operations, and value for shareholders. UNFI said the elevation of two senior leaders will help the organization better align leadership teams and resources to drive its customer-centric strategy and transformation agenda. This agenda is aimed at enhancing shareholder value creation by improving the company’s customer and supplier experience and increasing operating efficiency. Horvath will be responsible for driving project management underpinning the improvement plan, enhancing UNFI’s legacy integration and physical infrastructure, as well as ensuring successful implementation of the digital, technology, and automation initiatives. Martin joined UNFI in March 2022 and has been a key leader in the development of UNFI’s strategy and transformation agenda, as well as in spearheading the creation and early-stage development of the company’s digital roadmap.

The Board of Directors of Kenko Corporation in Japan announced the appointment of Kevin Johnson to the role of President and CEO of Soft Gel Technologies, Inc. (SGTI). Johnson, who currently serves as President and CEO of Kenko International, Inc., will also lead the soft gel manufacturing organization. He will be located in the company’s headquarters in Los Angeles. His expertise in sales and management will help the company continue to prosper in the natural products marketplace. Prior to joining Kenko, Johnson spent several years working for Coast Southwest, Inc. and Source Masters International. His varied work experience will help provide broad organizational support in many key areas, the company said.

Trace Minerals announced the promotion of Ryan Fisher to the role of Chief Sustainability Officer. Fisher has been with the company for 30 years and will bring his wealth of knowledge and experience to help Trace Minerals continue its mission. The company shared that, as it continues to grow and expand, it recognizes the need for new positions and opportunities to help ensure that it grows responsibly and sustainably. As Chief Sustainability Officer, Fisher will be responsible for expanding the company's state-of-the-art evaporation ponds and driving changes at Trace Minerals to enhance sustainability practices. The company says he will be instrumental in guiding the brand towards a more sustainable future, in line with Trace’s mission to Remineralize the World.

Earth Fare shared news of the promotion of former longtime employee and industry expert Mitch Orland to Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Procurement. In this role, Orland will oversee the selection of every product on Earth Fare’s shelves, ensuring that each item adheres to Earth Fare’s rigorous Food Philosophy that bans the use of harmful additives and artificial ingredients. Orland previously served as Earth Fare’s executive chef from 2005 to 2012 and is responsible for many of the iconic dishes beloved by long-time Earth Fare fans, the company said. He rejoined the grocery chain in 2020 in a similar role. Orland has dedicated his life and career to putting fresh, healthy foods on the plates of more Americans. 

Evanesce has expanded its leadership team with the addition of Kevin McEuen, who will serve as the new Global Vice President of Sales, and Peter Davies, who takes on the role of Global Vice President of Research and Development. According to Evanesce Founder and Chief Executive Officer Douglas Horne, these recent additions embody the company’s continued mission to disrupt the foodservice industry with its advanced plant-based single-use products. Davies is also the Founder and CEO of an eco-packaging company based in the UK called BioPaxium Technologies. McEuen brings his industry expertise to further increase the distribution network across the U.S. and expand into the global foodservice, entertainment, and hospitality markets. Before joining Evanesce, McEuen was Vice President of Sales for a foodservice product-focused company for more than 10 years, managing national and corporate accounts.