Mrs. Green's confirms Brown appointment

Natural Markets Food Group in a press release Wednesday confirmed that Pat Brown has been named its new CEO. SN reported Brown’s appointment in July.

Brown, who most recently served as COO of Portland, Ore.’s New Seasons Market, succeeded Robin Michel. The company is the parent of the Mrs. Green’s chain of natural/organic specialty stores, Planet Organic markets in Canada, and the Richtree Natural Market restaurant chain.

“Mrs. Green’s core mission — helping consumers and families understand the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and access natural, organic foods and products — fits naturally with my own values and background of experience in the organic food sector,” Brown said.

Pat Brown

“Together, I believe we can help educate consumers about the advantages of living a healthy lifestyle, help families access natural food that’s great for them and their kids — and expand our business in the process. My wife, Robin, and I are proud to join the Natural Market’s family and call our stores home.”

Brown received his degree in business from Saint Ambrose University and gained retail experience at food companies across the United States. As a member of the board of directors at Zenger Farms in Portland, he was instrumental in the development of a farmers’ market program that emphasized educating city children on where good food comes from. Brown also played a role in getting the markets sponsored by Zenger Farms to accept payment through SNAP funds, the first large-scale organization to do so, according to the press release.