Buehler’s Fresh Foods Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Peter O’Donnell will retire on Dec. 31, after eight years of service to the employee-owned grocery chain. A search for his successor is currently underway.
O’Donnell joined Buehler’s in 2017, following a career spanning leadership roles in finance, accounting and operations across the grocery and retail industries. Since joining the company, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening Buehler’s financial foundation, advancing its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) structure and guiding the organization through a period of transformation and growth.
“Peter has played a key role in shaping who we are today,” said Mike Davidson, president and CEO of Wooster, Ohio-based Buehler’s Fresh Foods.
“He helped build a strong foundation for our ESOP, strengthened our financial position and provided steady leadership that guided us through change and growth. Peter has led with integrity, professionalism and collaboration, and because of his efforts, Buehler’s is in a stronger place for the future.”
O’Donnell’s career prior to Buehler’s included more than a decade in senior finance roles with SpartanNash, where he served as VP of finance and merger integration, and previously as chief accounting officer and controller during the company’s formation through the Spartan Stores/Nash Finch merger. Earlier in his career, he held leadership positions at Nash Finch, Shopko Stores, Borders Group, Ernst & Young and May Department Stores.
In addition to his executive responsibilities at Buehler’s, O’Donnell has served on the Buehler’s Fresh Foods Board of Directors since 2022, contributing to corporate governance and long-term strategy. He holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Missouri and an MBA in finance from the Wharton School of Business.
As he reflected on his upcoming retirement, O’Donnell shared his appreciation for the company and its people.
“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to serve Buehler’s Fresh Foods from the time it became employee owned,” O’Donnell said. “I want to thank all the teammates who make Buehler’s a special place to shop and to work.”
Buehler’s will share further details regarding its CFO transition in the months ahead.
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