SpartanNash taps Holt as marketing VP

SpartanNash said Monday that it has appointed Brian Holt as its new VP of marketing, effective Monday.

Holt, an eight-year veteran of Weis Markets, will be responsible for driving customer engagement through marketing and advertising, brand positioning, market research, e-commerce and loyalty programs at SpartanNash, based in Grand Rapids, Mich. Holt (pictured) will report to Larry Pierce, Spartan’s EVP of marketing and merchandising.

“Brian is an accomplished senior leader and marketing specialist, with a history of boosting sales performance through retailer loyalty programs and marketing campaigns,” Pierce said in a statement. “He is also well versed in market penetration and growth through consumer research and product placement strategies. As SpartanNash expands its click-and-collect program, Yes loyalty efforts and personalized shopping experiences, Brian will be a valuable addition to lead our marketing team.”

Previously, Holt served as VP of marketing, advertising and public relations at Weis Markets, Sunbury, Pa., where he led the marketing and consumer communication strategy as well as e-commerce, loyalty marketing and corporate branding initiatives. He also served as the director of marketing for three years, building a strong website and social media presence.

Holt has also held various marketing and product management positions with Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement, Masco Corp., R&B Inc. and Newell Rubbermaid.  

He holds a master’s degree in marketing from St. Joseph’s University — where he continues to serve as a member of the Academy of Food Marketing Board of Governors — and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Drexel. He is also a graduate of the Food Executive Program at Cornell University.