Sprouts taps James Bahrenburg as new chief technology officer

Sprouts Farmers Market has named James Bahrenburg as its next chief technology officer. He brings more than 35 years of retail experience most recently as chief information officer of Good Food Holdings, LLC. 

The specialty retailer said that Bahrenburg will report directly to Sprouts' chief executive officer Jack Sinclair, and will oversee the strategic direction and management of all aspects of Sprouts’ technology.

Sinclair said that Bahrenburg’s deep experience in retail technology leadership will be an “invaluable resource” as the company enhances its platforms to support the continued execution of its long-term growth strategy. 

Bahrenburg most recently served as CIO of Good Food Holdings, LLC, the holding company for five food retailing brands – Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres Natural Market, Metropolitan Market, New Seasons Market, and New Leaf Community Markets.

Prior to joining Good Food Holdings, Bahrenburg served 99 Cents Only Stores for over 12 years, including as senior vice president - chief information officer from 2016 to 2019 and vice president - business process and IT planning from 2010 to 2015.

Bahrenburg’s first order of business is to execute the company’s strategic technology initiatives “to enhance and elevate digital platforms” for the specialty grocer. 

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This executive appointment comes on the heels of Sprouts’ 400th store opening, while the company is also on the search for its next chief financial officer. Last month, Sprouts announced that Lawrence “Chip” Molloy is set to retire at the end of 2023. 

Molloy has served as the chief financial officer since September 2021, prior to which he served as a member of the board of directors since 2013, and as interim chief financial officer from June 2019 to February 2020. Sprouts said it will conduct an internal and external search for a successor to Molloy.