Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has appointed Mario Maffie as chief information officer to lead its IT team, oversee network systems integration and help accelerate the use of data and insights.
Maffie, who begins his new role Oct. 2, will report to Erin Horvath, chief operating officer.
Maffie joins UNFI after having spent the past 24 years in roles of increasing responsibility at Mars Inc. He most recently served as Mars’ corporate chief information officer since 2018, where he oversaw technology for corporate functions, including human resources, procurement, finance, legal and others. He also led global technology capabilities such as master data management, reporting and integration services and platforms, automation, supply chain and global ERP.
“Our information technology team, the backbone of our operations, is engaged in network and systems integration work that is critical to the success of our business and the transformation we have undertaken,” Horvath said.
“Over the past 20 years, Mario has been at the forefront of helping Mars harness the power of data, analytics and automation, ensuring that Mars continually evolved its technology through new platforms and modern capabilities, including AI-based programs, and digital transformation initiatives.
“He brings a wealth of experience in strategy development and execution and is known for nurturing the talent of tomorrow.”
Maffie’s tenure at Mars includes a series of senior leadership roles within the technology team. Prior to his CIO appointment, he served as senior director of technology strategy and execution (2016-18) and in director roles supporting global technology transformation (2014-16) and end user technologies (2010-14).
In 2010, he also served on the integration team responsible for bringing together Mars and Wrigley, which achieved the harmonization of the data center, network, infrastructure, service desk and IT organization.
He also has experience launching a global master data platform with SAP MDG, as well as leading the first global deployment at Mars of predictive AI-based financial performance products.
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