United Natural Foods Inc. has announced that Andre Persaud will lead the company’s two retail banners – Cub and Shoppers Food Warehouse – as president and CEO of retail, effective Nov. 6. He will serve on UNFI’s senior leadership team and report to Sandy Douglas, CEO and president.
UNFI described Persaud as a leader with broad and diverse experience leading publicly and private equity-owned retail organizations. He comes to the Providence, Rhode Island-based grocery wholesaler after having spent nearly 30 years in retail and the past 20 years in senior leadership roles with large food and pharmacy operations.
“Andre is a proven leader with a demonstrated track record of success across a range of retail organizations,” Douglas said. “We are excited for Andre to join our team and look forward to the positive contributions he will bring to the company in this leadership position.”
Persaud has served as chief retail officer of Rite Aid, leading the $17 billion drugstore business in the capacity of president and chief operating officer; executive consultant at Wakefern Foods/ShopRite; EVP of retail at Shopko Stores; SVP of store operations at Burlington; SVP at Loblaw Companies Ltd; and held progressive leadership roles at Shoppers Drug Mart and Wal-Mart Canada.
Most recently, he served as senior advisor with Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group, working in a C-level capacity with a respective client. Persaud also serves as a board and strategic advisor to Pharmacity, one of Vietnam’s largest pharmacy chains.
During his career, Persaud has been recognized by Mass Market Retailers as one of the top 50 retail executives in North America, Business Insider magazine as a top retail power player and by the National Diversity Council for leadership excellence.
About UNFI
UNFI delivers a variety of fresh, branded and owned brand products to more than 30,000 locations throughout North America, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, e-commerce providers and food service customers.
It also offers a range of value-added services and segmented marketing expertise, including proprietary technology, data, market insights and shelf management to help customers and suppliers build their businesses and brands.
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