Whole Foods is eliminating its co-CEO structure, with John Mackey to take over as sole CEO. This change will become effective December 31, 2016. Previously, Mackey served as co-CEO with Walter Robb for six years.
Robb, a 25-year veteran of Whole Foods, will remain on the board. Additionally, he will continue to serve as chairman for both the Whole Kids Foundation and the Whole Cities Foundation.
“It is impossible to convey what Walter has done for Whole Foods Market since he joined us in 1991,” says Mackey. “His incredible passion for retail and sense of the customer makes him the most extraordinary retailer I’ve had the privilege to work with. During his 25 years of leadership, Walter has been an advocate for the Whole Foods Market culture and a champion for our Team Members. His genuine love for our mission and our team members truly reflects what it means to be a conscious leader.”
Whole Foods has also announced that EVP and CFO Glenda Flanagan will retire from her role after 29 years. Flanagan, the longest ever serving female CFO in the Fortune 500, will retire at the end of the 2017 fiscal year. She will continue to serve the company as a senior advisor.
“Glenda joined Whole Foods Market in 1988 and has helped guide us through significant growth from six stores to 464 stores and more than $15 billion in sales today,” say Mackey and Robb. “She has been an outstanding CFO. Her intelligence, wisdom, business acumen, kindness, and integrity have been at the heart of everything Whole Foods Market has done and accomplished over the past 28 years. Glenda is deeply loved and respected by us and everyone at Whole Foods Market who has had the opportunity to know her.”
