Ray Sprinkle, URM CEO and president, has announced he will retire from his position, effective July 2025. Sprinkle has been with URM Stores Inc. for 22 years and worked in the industry for more than 50 years.
A graduate of Kansas State University, Sprinkle began his career in the grocery business working for companies such as Dillon’s (Kroger), Super Stores Industries, SAV-U-FOODS and Fleming. In 2003, URM Stores Inc. hired him as the VP of procurement, retail services and profit centers.
In March of 2013, the URM Board of Directors appointed Sprinkle as the CEO and president of URM Stores Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Rosauers Supermarkets and Peirone Produce.
Under his leadership, the company achieved remarkable growth. From 2012-2023, sales surged by 53 percent, and membership rebates increased by 232 percent. His strategic vision, decision-making and ability to adapt were pivotal in driving these extraordinary results.
As a strong proponent of community and service, Sprinkle has been actively involved in his community and the broader industry. His service on the boards of Second Harvest, Feeding Washington, National Grocers Association, Retailer Owned Food Distributors & Associates and Washington Food Industry Association has helped shape the future of the grocery industry and has made a positive impact on the communities served.
“I would like to thank Ray for his unwavering commitment to excellence, coupled with his exceptional long-term planning skills, which have been instrumental in guiding URM through both challenges and successes,” said John Akins, president of the URM Board of Directors, at the most recent board meeting. “Ray’s strategic vision has not only shaped the direction of our company but has also significantly contributed to the growth and prosperity of our membership. We are grateful for his invaluable leadership and positive impact that he has had on URM.
“Beyond his professional accomplishments, it has been a privilege to work alongside someone of his caliber and character. We are grateful for his invaluable leadership and positive impact that he has had on URM. As Ray embarks on this new chapter of his life, I extend my warmest wishes to him and his wife Kim.”
To foster a smooth transition period, recruiting will begin in the new calendar year.
About URM Stores Inc.
URM and its subsidiaries employ over 3,000 employees and their sales volume has grown to over $1.8 billion. URM’s core business is the purchasing, warehousing and delivery of merchandise inventory to its Member-Owners through its patronage departments.
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