United Natural Foods Appoints Andre Persaud as President and CEO of Retail

A New Era of Leadership for UNFI’s Retail Division

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has officially announced the appointment of Andre Persaud as President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail, a strategic move that took effect on November 6, 2023. This appointment marks a significant milestone in UNFI’s journey to strengthen its leadership team and enhance its retail operations.

Andre Persaud: A Profile in Retail Excellence

Andre Persaud is a seasoned professional with nearly 30 years of retail experience, particularly noted for his leadership roles over the past two decades. His career spans across various senior positions with notable companies in the food and pharmacy sectors, demonstrating a robust track record of success.

Leadership Across the Aisles

Persaud’s journey in retail leadership has been diverse and impactful:

• Chief Retail Officer of Rite Aid: Steering the $17 billion drugstore business.
• Executive Consultant at Wakefern Foods/ShopRite: Providing strategic executive consultancy.
• Executive Vice President Retail at Shopko Stores: Overseeing retail operations.
• Senior Vice President of Store Operations at Burlington: Managing store operations.
• Senior Vice President at Loblaw Companies Ltd: Leading at one of Canada’s largest food retailers.
• Progressive Leadership Roles: At Shoppers Drug Mart and Wal-Mart Canada.

Most recently, Persaud has been a senior advisor with Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group, offering C-level expertise to clients. His advisory roles extend to Pharmacity, a leading pharmacy chain in Vietnam.

Industry Recognition and Academic Foundations

Andre Persaud’s contributions to the retail industry have not gone unnoticed. He has been lauded as one of the top fifty retail executives in North America by Mass Market Retailers, recognized as a top retail power player by Business Insider magazine, and honored by the National Diversity Council for leadership excellence. His academic credentials are equally impressive, holding both a bachelor’s and master’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

UNFI’s Strategic Vision with Persaud at the Helm

With Persaud’s appointment, UNFI is poised to enhance its retail operations under the banners of CUB and Shoppers Food Warehouse. His role on the senior leadership team, reporting directly to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s CEO and President, signals a clear directive for growth and operational excellence.

Looking Forward

“Andre is a proven leader with a demonstrated track record of success across a range of retail organizations,” said Douglas. “We are excited for Andre to join our team and look forward to the positive contributions he will bring to the Company in this leadership position.”

As UNFI continues to navigate the competitive landscape of the food and pharmacy retail sector, Andre Persaud’s leadership is expected to be a driving force in the company’s continued success and innovation.

Stay tuned to IHR Magazine for more updates on how Andre Persaud’s leadership will shape the future of UNFI’s retail strategy.