Sean Griffin, Chief Operating Officer, will retire July 31, 2020. Remaining as an adviser until November 2020, Griffin will focus on continuing the Company's business transformation as well as supporting other key business initiatives.
"I truly appreciate Sean's leadership and dedication during his 10 years at UNFI, and particularly over the past 18 months as we have successfully integrated SUPERVALU at a faster pace than originally anticipated," Spinner said in the release. "Sean is a tremendous leader and great friend, and we all wish him all the best in his retirement."
Filling Griffin's role is Eric Dorne, current Chief Information Officer/Chief Administrative Officer, effective March 8, 2020. Dorne will continue to oversee the Company's Integration Office and UNFI's Information Technology (IT) team, as well as oversee UNFI's supply chain which includes distribution center operations, procurement and transportation.
John Howard, Interim Chief Financial Officer since August 2019 and 20 year veteran in the finance industry, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer.
In the Marketing realm, Chris Testa, President and Chief Marketing Officer, will take on additional responsibilities leading UNFI's professional services, supplier services, customer care and the Company's Canadian division.
"I am pleased to recognize the contributions of John, Eric and Chris with these new appointments and expanded responsibilities," said Spinner. "I am excited to continue working with each of them in their new roles as we continue to position UNFI as the distributor of choice across the United States and Canada."
Related: UNFI: Teamsters End Strike; Exec Bonus Approved UNFI Enters Agreements to Sell 13 Shoppers Stores UNFI Reports Fourth Quarter Growth
Additional leadership news:
Paul Green, currently UNFI's Chief Supply Chain Officer, will take on a new role as President, Fresh, where he will lead the Company's meat and produce merchandising teams. Green will continue serving as Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) until a successor is named.
Mike Stigers, currently CUB CEO and Executive Vice President, Fresh, will transition UNFI's Fresh teams to Green. Stigers will focus on leading CUB and continuing the sale process for the Minnesota-based grocery retailer.
Open Roles:
UNFI has searches underway for a new Chief Information Officer, Chief Supply Chain Officer and a new Senior Vice President, Brands. The Senior Vice President, Brands, role has been created to further build the company's differentiated and exclusive private brands offerings and oversee UNFI corporate branding initiatives.
