SpartanNash taps Adrienne Chance to head corporate communications

Adrienne Chance has joined SpartanNash as vice president of communications, succeeding Meredith Gremel, who retired.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash said Monday that Chance will oversee development, strategy and execution of the grocery distributor and retailer’s internal and external communications and report to President and CEO Tony Sarsam. In addition, she will lead government and corporate affairs and serve as executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation.

Chance (left) comes to SpartanNash after more than two years as senior director of corporate communications at Dallas-based Borden Dairy Co., joining fellow Borden alumni Sarsam and Chief Financial Officer Jason Monaco at the distributor. She joined Borden after more than five years at Topgolf Entertainment Group, where she established the communications department and served as director of corporate communications, earning recognition as a PR News 2017 “Top Woman in PR.”

“Communication plays a critical role in supporting SpartanNash customers, associates and other key stakeholders,” Sarsam said in a statement. “Adrienne Chance brings valuable experience leading communications for B2B and B2C high-volume, multi-unit operations across the consumer packaged goods and food and beverage industries. What’s more, she has extensive experience in fostering culture, driving associate engagement, brand building and leading teams through change. We are delighted to welcome her to the SpartanNash family.”

Related:SpartanNash hires Masiar Tayebi as chief strategy officer

Gremel (left) retired in early April after over seven years at SpartanNash as VP of corporate affairs and communications and executive director of the SpartanNash Foundation. Her more than 35 years of experience in public relations, communications and marketing includes 25 years heading her own PR firm.

Chance marks SpartanNash’s sixth new executive hire since Sarsam took over as CEO last September from Dennis Eidson. Other appointments include Monaco, who succeeded Mark Shamber as CFO; Masiar Tayebi as executive VP and chief strategy officer, a newly created position; David Petko as chief supply chain officer; Greg Molloy as VP of environmental health and safety; and Shaquanda Gordon as VP of talent, diversity and inclusion. Last month, SpartanNash also promoted Martin’s Super Markets veteran Amy McClellan to VP of fresh merchandising for corporate retail operations.