New York-based Baldor Specialty Foods, a distributor of premium fresh produce and specialty foods in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, has appointed industry veteran David McInerney as its incoming president.
McInerney, former CEO and co-founder of FreshDirect, brings more than 30 years of experience in food retailing, operations and supply chain innovation to Baldor.
His addition comes at a pivotal moment in the company’s growth, as it continues expanding product offerings and geographies served.
According to Baldor, McInerney was selected for his alignment with its principles, having spent two decades at FreshDirect, leading with a people-centric, results-driven approach.
TJ Murphy will continue as CEO, focusing on future initiatives with McInerney.
“Dave and I have known each other for years, and I couldn’t be happier for him to join Baldor,” Murphy said.
“We both love great food, and we have a shared view of what quality means in sourcing and service. Our strengths complement each other. While I love long-term innovation, his passion and expertise is bridging the present with the next several years and ensuring executional excellence.
“I’ll continue looking 10 years ahead, and Dave will start from today; we’ll meet in the middle.”
McInerney co-founded FreshDirect in 2000 and played a key role in revolutionizing the online grocery industry. As CEO, he led a team that drove record revenue growth, customer retention and operational efficiency.
He also served as “chief food adventurer,” traveling around the world to source the highest-quality ingredients and forging relationships with top producers.
Prior to FreshDirect, he trained as a cook under chefs like Bernard Loiseau in Burgundy and David Bouley in New York City, so McInerney also brings a practitioner’s understanding of the foodservice industry.
“There are so many parallels between Baldor’s business and my background – the emphasis on tight relationships with growers, the focus on serving discerning customers and the care for doing right by both sides. This feels like such a natural fit,” McInerney said.
“I am honored to join this team and look forward to building on its legacy, harnessing the power of great people and good food.”
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