Warren, Michigan-based Lipari Foods, a specialty food distributor, has appointed Stuart Schuette as its next CEO, effective Sept. 16. He succeeds interim CEO John Boucher, who stepped in for Thom Lipari, the company’s previous CEO for more than 30 years, as part of a contemplated leadership succession plan.
Lipari was instrumental in establishing the company’s culture, driving its commitment to its customers and suppliers, and growing Lipari into a leading specialty food distribution platform.
Schuette will join Lipari and Boucher on the company’s board of directors.
Schuette has a 30-year track record of driving organic and inorganic growth in distribution businesses across several industries, including food distribution. He most recently served as the president and CEO of American Tire Distributors, the largest independent supplier of tires to the replacement tire market.
Prior to ATD, Schuette spent more than 20 years at US Foods, one of the largest foodservice distribution platforms in the United States. During his tenure, he held key leadership positions in sales, finance and operations, ultimately serving as chief operating officer for some seven years.
At US Foods, he successfully led the shift to position the business for sustained growth and industry leadership.
Prior to joining US Foods, Schuette was an executive at Martin Brower, a subsidiary of Reyes Holdings, the world’s largest distributor of products to McDonald’s restaurants and other foodservice customers.
“I am excited to join Lipari Foods and help lead the company in its next phase of growth,” Schuette said.
“The company’s incredible legacy and strong reputation in the market, differentiated value proposition, committed team of employees and numerous growth avenues make Lipari a very compelling opportunity.”
Tony Miranda, managing partner of Littlejohn and member of Lipari’s board of directors, described Schuette as an “outstanding leader who brings substantial experience delivering profitable growth across a variety of distribution business models.”
“We look forward to partnering with Stuart and the rest of the Lipari team to build upon the company’s strong foundation, as they continue to execute Lipari’s growth strategy and further cement the company’s position as a highly differentiated player in the specialty food ecosystem,” Miranda said.
“On a personal level, on behalf of the entire company and its partners, we would like to thank Thom Lipari for his 50 years of leadership and wish him well in retirement.”
About Lipari Foods
Founded in 1963, Lipari Foods is an independent “perimeter‐of‐the‐store” food distributor and manufacturer, supplying more than 25,000 products including deli, bakery, foodservice, specialty grocery, dairy, frozen seafood and meats, confections, international foods and packaging items to more than 16,000 locations across the United States. Lipari has grown to about 2,300 employees and sources from more than 2,700 suppliers. Lipari Foods is a portfolio company of Greenwich, Connecticut-based private equity firm, Littlejohn & Co.
