UNFI removes president, continues transformation

United Natural Foods Inc. has removed Christopher Testa as president, reports the Providence Business Journal.

J. Alexander Miller “Sandy” Douglas, who serves as CEO of UNFI, will now handle both the CEO and president duties. 

The distributor has launched a corporate rebirth of sorts over the last few months as it tries to recover from poor financial showings.

Testa was named to the president role in 2018 after coming over from Blue Marble Brands, a division of UNFI where he was also president.

UNFI has struggled through a string of poor performing quarters. The Providence, R.I.-based company said its turnaround plan involves unifying and modernizing systems, improving digital offerings, automating and optimizing supply chain capabilities, and producing profitable growth.

UNFI did record a 2% year-over-year sales increase of $7.4 million in the fourth quarter, but the company suffered losses which impacted the bottom line.

In September, UNFI signed off on a cooperation agreement with private equity firm JCP Investment Management LLC,adding three new independent board members. The board has been tasked with reviewing UNFI’s financial performance.

Douglas has been CEO since 2021 and came to UNFI from Staples, Inc., where he was also CEO. So far, the more significant moves during his tenure include restructuring the company’s business units and  putting together a new executive team.

Related:UNFI launches new platform giving CPG companies enhanced access to retail insights