Grand Rapids, Michigan-based SpartanNash has promoted Derek Tufts to VP of human resources.
Tufts was hired in 2019 as director of human resources for the retail segment and was promoted to senior director, human resources of corporate and retail in 2022. In his new role, he will play a key role in coaching senior leaders and developing HR business partners to advance the company’s “People First” culture, supporting 17,500 employees.
“Derek has played a vital leadership role in ensuring the HR strategy and practices align to our ‘People First’ culture, and we’re proud to promote from within to extend his expertise to positively impact our associate experience across the company,” said Nicole Zube, SVP and chief human resources officer.
During his tenure at SpartanNash, Tufts played a role in keeping the company’s retail stores open and safe during the pandemic. He was an integral part of various M&A integrations and led a project team to update the company’s employees relations process. He is also a coach and advisor to several employees and leaders.
Through his promotion, Tufts will focus on developing and training SpartanNash’s human resources business partners, driving retention and reducing turnover, partnering with the centers of excellence in HR and improving overall human resources business-facing operations.
Tufts brings more than 25 years of human resources experience in employee relations, development and retention for global retailers, including Toys “R” Us, OfficeMax and a local Grand Rapids-based company Art Van Furniture.
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