UNFI Names New Supply Chain Chief

United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has named Jim Gehr as its new chief supply chain officer, effective May 4.

In this role, Gehr will focus on UNFI’s warehouse logistics while further advancing automation investments, distribution center expansions and network optimization. He will lead more than 12,000 associates working across four regions and 59 distribution centers, delivering 1.3 billion cases annually to UNFI’s more than 30,000 customers. Gehr will report to Eric Dorne, UNFI’s chief operating officer.

“Jim is a highly regarded supply chain executive who brings operational excellence experience to UNFI along with a proven track record of building and motivating teams,” said Dorne. “He has a history of creating and growing business opportunities, establishing sustainable processes and developing a strong culture of continuous improvement that drives value throughout the supply chain and, ultimately, to customers. His unique experiences, from integrating emerging technologies to effectively utilizing data analytics, will enhance UNFI’s long-term operating model and help accelerate our innovation.”

Jim Gehr                                         

Gehr spent the past 29 years at DHL Supply Chain, where he has been president, retail North America, since 2004. In his new role at UNFI, Gehr succeeds Paul Green, who earlier this year was named president of fresh amid several corporate changes. Green now oversees the company’s meat and produce business and will report directly to UNFI Chairman and CEO Steven Spinner.

“I want to thank Paul for the tremendous job he’s done overseeing our supply chain throughout many years of rapid growth and change,” said Dorne. “I truly appreciate Paul’s leadership, exemplary results, partnership and friendship, and know he will do an amazing job overseeing our fresh business.”