United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI), a leading food distributor, today announced that Andre Persaud will join the company as President and Chief Executive Officer of Retail, effective November 6, 2023. Persaud will oversee the company’s two retail banners, CUB and Shoppers Food Warehouse, and report to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s Chief Executive Officer and President.

Persaud has nearly 30 years of retail experience and has held senior leadership roles at Rite Aid, Wakefern Foods/ShopRite, Shopko Stores, Burlington, Loblaw Companies Ltd, Shoppers Drug Mart, and Wal-Mart Canada. He has also served as a senior advisor with Alvarez and Marsal Consumer and Retail Group and a board advisor and strategic advisor to Pharmacity, one of Vietnam’s largest pharmacy chains.

Douglas said that Persaud is a proven leader with a track record of success across various retail organizations. He added that he is excited for Persaud to join the team and bring positive contributions to the company.

Persaud has been recognized by Mass Market Retailers, Business Insider magazine, and the National Diversity Council for his leadership excellence. He holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from State University of New York at Buffalo.

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