New Seasons Taps Starbucks Vet as CEO

PORTLAND, Ore. — New Seasons Market here said Monday it has named Wendy Collie president and chief executive officer of the privately owned natural and organic specialty chain.

Wendy Collie

Collie most recently had been president of consumer business at Portland-based education concern Knowledge Universe, and before that had spent almost 18 years at Starbucks Coffee Co., Seattle. She held a variety of roles at Starbucks, rising from district manager to senior vice president and general manager for Starbucks U.S. licensed stores.

At New Seasons, Collie succeeds Lisa Sedlar, who said in October that she planned to leave the 12-store New Seasons Market to launch her own convenience retail banner. Collie, who will also be a director at New Seasons, is scheduled to begin her new role Jan. 2.

Read More: Sedlar Steps Down as New Seasons CEO

“I wanted to work someplace where I would get more connected to Portland, and to be a part of a company where I believe in and am inspired by the people, the quality of the product and the mission,” Collie said in a statement. “New Seasons Market is that company.”

Stan Amy, chairman and co-founder of New Seasons Market, said in a statement that Collie is “ a well-known visionary who has built a reputation and track record as a leader who invests in people, culture development, customer service, operational excellence and strategic growth. She has a passion for food and for the uniqueness of the greater Portland community that is core to New Seasons Market.”

Suggested Categories	More from Supermarketnews
Latest News Top 75 Retailers & Wholesalers Top 50 Small Chains & Independents Top 25 Global Retailers 2012 Power 50	SN Photo Galleries Videos Industry Voices SN Viewpoints Total Access Event Coverage