United Natural Foods Inc. announced Tuesday that its chief operating officer Eric Dorne will retire in October. Dorne will continue to oversee the company’s general operations and fulfillment network, and lead IT strategies until his retirement.
“Eric has helped UNFI navigate significant growth and change, serving as head of the integration team for the transformative acquisition of Supervalu Inc. in 2018, as well as guiding the Company through the challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic over these past two years,” UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas said in a statement. “Eric’s foresight, planning, and strategic leadership have contributed meaningfully to ensuring that UNFI is well-positioned to support customer growth, implement new innovations and solutions and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape.”
Over his 46 years in the grocery industry, Dorne has spent 11 years guiding UNFI in leadership positions. He spent his first 35 years in the food business at A&P Supermarkets, joining UNFI as senior vice president and chief information officer in 2011.
Dorne has helped the company grow to around 30,000 associates, 56 distribution centers, and more than $27 billion in annual revenue.
“I am thankful for the tremendous support from my colleagues, our board of directors and all associates throughout the UNFI network. Together, we have created an organization with great potential built on a strong foundation,” Dorne said in a statement.
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