Sponsored By

UNFI’s Eric Dorne to step down as chief operating officer

Grocery veteran spent 46 years in the industry, including last 11 in senior positions at UNFI

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

May 17, 2022

2 Min Read
UNFI_trailer_truck_0_1_1_1_3.png
During his UNFI tenure, Eric Dorne served as chief administrative officer and president of strategic business units prior to assuming his current role as COO.UNFI

Grocery wholesaler United Natural Foods Inc. announced Tuesday that chief operating officer Eric Dorne will retire from the grocery wholesaler effective Oct. 29, 2022. Dorne has spent 46 years in the grocery industry and the past 11 years in senior leadership roles at UNFI.

UNFI expects to share in the coming months its plans for a seamless transition of Dorne’s responsibilities following his retirement. He will continue to oversee UNFI’s operations and fulfillment network, as well as lead information technology (IT) through his retirement date, working closely with both his direct reports and the senior leadership team to ensure a smooth transition.

“On behalf of our board of directors, senior leadership team and all UNFI associates, I thank Eric for his tremendous vision, service and leadership over these last 11 years,” said UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas. “Eric has helped UNFI navigate significant growth and change, serving as head of the integration team for the transformative acquisition of Supervalu Inc. in 2018, as well as guiding the company through the challenges and opportunities of the COVID-19 pandemic over these past two years. Eric’s foresight, planning and strategic leadership have contributed meaningfully to ensuring that UNFI is well positioned to support customer growth, implement new innovations and solutions and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Eric these past 10 months, and I am very happy for him and his family as he begins the transition to retirement.”

Related:UNFI names Chris Finck president of Atlantic Region

Eric_Dorne_CC_2018_(003).jpg

Dorne (left) spent the first 35 years of his career in a variety of leadership roles at A&P Supermarkets. He joined UNFI as senior vice president and chief information officer in 2011. During his UNFI tenure, he served as chief administrative officer and president of strategic business units prior to assuming his current role as COO. In that role, Dorne has helped the company grow to nearly 30,000 associates, 56 distribution centers and over $27 billion in annual revenue.

“I am grateful for the many opportunities UNFI has provided me over the past 11 years,” said Dorne. “I am thankful for the tremendous support from my colleagues, our board of directors and all associates throughout the UNFI network. Together, we have created an organization with great potential built on a strong foundation. I have enjoyed my 46-year journey from part-time grocery bagger to today, and I am excited to watch our next generation of leaders take UNFI to new levels of success.”

Related:UNFI gets Q2 boost from independents, Whole Foods

North America’s largest publicly traded grocery distributor, Providence, R.I.-based UNFI operates nearly 50 distribution centers and supplies more than 30,000 retailers in the United States and Canada, including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, e-commerce retailers and foodservice providers.

 

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like