The Board of Directors of Big Y Foods Inc. has announced several executive changes, beginning Jan. 21.
Charles L. D’Amour will step down as president and CEO and become executive chairman of the board as the reins move to Michael P. D’Amour. In addition, the position of EVP and chief operating officer will transition to Richard D. Bossie.
As executive chairman, Charles D’Amour will continue to provide oversight, strategic advice and board leadership. He also will continue to serve as a member of Big Y’s real estate and development committee.
Charles D’Amour, son of co-founder Gerald D’Amour, was appointed president in 2006 and CEO in 2019. He began his career working through various positions in the supermarket, including store director.
After completing college and law school, he rejoined the company in 1978, where he served in many capacities, including sales manager, VP of sales and marketing and COO.
“For nearly 90 years, Big Y has been proud to honor the legacy of our founders, Paul and Gerry D’Amour, as a family company focused on our employees, our customers and the communities we serve,” said Charles D’Amour.
“It’s been an honor to have been personally connected with our company and to have had the privilege of working alongside my father, uncle, cousin Donald and sister Claire.
“I have worked closely with Michael D’Amour, other members of our third generation of family members, along with the rest of our leadership team, who are all well poised to lead our company and continue that legacy of service.
“I have the utmost trust and confidence in Michael and Rick to continue our company’s growth and success. With their appointment to these roles, I’m pleased that our Big Y Board of Directors holds them in the same highest regard and confidence.”
As president and CEO, Michael D’Amour will guide the overall direction of the company and drive its strategic initiatives and growth while maintaining the company’s mission.
D’Amour, grandson of co-founder Paul D’Amour, was appointed COO in 2019. After working in the supermarkets in various roles while in his teens, he began his full-time career in 1996.
He has worked in all areas of the markets, including operations and store director, as well as various corporate areas from buyer and category sales manager to VP of sales and marketing.
“I am extremely excited and humbled for the opportunity to continue to help serve and lead our wonderful company to many more years of growth in service to the communities in which we operate,” Michael D’Amour said.
As EVP and COO, Bossie will work with Michael D’Amour in overseeing all operational areas of Big Y.
Beginning as a part-time service clerk, Bossie has more than 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry. He joined Big Y in 1986 and has worked in all areas of store operations, including store director, district director, director of operations and VP of store operations.
In 2019, he was named SVP of retail operations and customer experience. In addition to his operations oversight, he also leads other retail banners, such as Big Y Express gas and convenience and Table & Vine fine wines and liquors.
“I am honored for this tremendous opportunity to work in partnership with Michael to drive innovation and enhance the development of our industry leading teams,” Bossie said.
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