United Natural Foods Inc. announced that chief operating officer (COO) Eric Dorne will retire from the company effective October 29, 2022. Dorne has spent 46 years in the grocery industry and the past 11 years in senior leadership roles at UNFI. Dorne 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.
UNFI expects to share in the coming months its plans for a seamless transition of Dorne’s responsibilities following his retirement.
“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,” UNFI Chief Executive Officer Sandy Douglas, said in the announcement. “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 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 ten months, and I am very happy for him and his family as he begins the transition to retirement.”
Dorne 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 and quickly established a reputation for applying fresh perspectives and creative solutions to traditional business operations. During his UNFI tenure, he served as chief administrative officer and president of strategic business units prior to assuming his current role as COO. 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,” Dorne said in the announcement. “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.”
