Big Y names new top executives President/CEO and COO

Big Y Foods, Inc. has named new top executives. 

Charles L. D’Amour will become executive chairman of the board as the reins of president and chief executive officer move to Michael P. D’Amour, and executive vice president and chief operating officer move to Richard D. Bossie. These changes went into effect January 21.

As executive chairman, Charles L. D’Amour will continue to provide oversight, strategic advice and board leadership, the company said in a statement. In addition, Charles L. D’Amour will also continue to serve as a member of the real estate and development committee.

Charles L. D’Amour, son of co-founder Gerald D’Amour was appointed to president in 2006 and CEO in 2019. He began his career at an early age working through various positions in the supermarket including store director. After completing college and law school, he rejoined the company in 1978 where he served in many capacities including sales manager, vice president of sales and marketing, and COO in addition to his responsibilities for real estate development where he has led Big Y’s strategic direction and growth.

According to Charles L. D’Amour, “For nearly 90 years, Big Y has been proud to honor the legacy of our founders, Paul and Gerry D’Amour, as a family company focused on our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. It’s been an honor to have been personally connected with our company and to have had the privilege of working alongside my father, uncle, cousin Donald and sister Claire. I have worked closely with Michael D’Amour, other members of our third generation of family members along with the rest of our leadership team who are all well poised to lead our company and continue that legacy of service.”

Michael P. D’Amour has been appointed president and CEO where he will guide the overall direction of the company and drive their strategic initiatives and growth while maintaining the company’s mission. Michael P. D’Amour currently serves on the board of FMI/The Food Industry Association and the board of Topco Associates an $18B Food Cooperative based in Itasca, IL.

Michael P. D’Amour, grandson of co-founder Paul D’Amour and son of Donald, was appointed COO in 2019. After working in the supermarkets in various roles while in his teens, he began his full-time career in 1996. He has worked in all areas of the markets including operations and store director, as well as various corporate areas from buyer and category sales manager to vice president of sales and marketing.

“I am extremely excited and humbled for the opportunity to continue to help serve and lead our wonderful company to many more years of growth in service to the communities in which we operate. I would like to thank my father, Donald, for his guidance and Charlie, for his steadfast mentorship over the years, and our senior leadership team for their continuous support,” Michael P. D’Amour said in a statement. 

As newly appointed executive vice president and COO, Richard D. Bossie will work with CEO, Michael D’Amour in overseeing all operational areas of the company. 

Bossie has over 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry beginning as a part time service clerk. He joined Big Y in 1986 and has worked in all areas of store operations including store director and later as a district director until his appointment as director of operations in 2010. In 2019, he was named senior vice president of retail operations and customer experience where in addition to his operations oversight, he also leads other retail banners such as Big Y Express gas and convenience and Table & Vine fine wines and liquors along with teams for asset protection and continuous improvement. Bossie currently serves on the board of Baystate Health, the largest integrated healthcare system in Western MA.

Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations. The company has over 10,000 employees. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a “Y.”