After what it described as a thorough search, URM Stores has named Roger F. White as its next CEO and president, effective June 1.
A Pacific Northwest native with more than 30 years of industry experience, White will succeed Ray Sprinkle, who is retiring this summer.
“Roger not only brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight, but also a deep commitment to what sets our company apart – our customers, employees and partnerships,” said John Akins, URM’s chairman of the board of directors and search committee.
“Bringing a proven record of operational excellence and his people-first leadership make him the right choice to lead URM into its next chapter. We’re confident his leadership will guide us into a successful future defined by both innovation and integrity.”
Sprinkle echoed those sentiments.
“After the years I have had guiding this incredible organization, I couldn’t be more confident in passing the torch to Roger,” Sprinkle said.
“His decades of industry experience, proven leadership and strategic mindset make him the ideal leader to take URM into the future. The company will be in excellent hands.”
White began his grocery career at Albertsons Cos. in Boise, Idaho, before joining Associated Food Stores in Salt Lake City, where he led teams across advertising, marketing, merchandising, category management, private label, retail support, procurement, warehousing and transportation.
“I am humbled and honored to join URM, an organization with over a century of commitment to independent grocers and the communities they serve,” White said. “I look forward to helping build upon URM’s incredible legacy and to collaborate with their talented team and impressive member-owners.”
Sprinkle was hired in 2003 as the VP of procurement, retail services and profit centers. Ten years later, in March 2013, he was promoted to CEO and president of URM Stores Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Rosauers Supermarkets and Peirone Produce.
“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,” Akins said.
“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.”
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