PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has announced that its President and CEO Steven L. Spinner has also been appointed as Chairman, effective in December, 2016 after the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

“I appreciate the Board’s recognition of the company’s success and its confidence in our future,” said Spinner, according to a press release. “We have accomplished a great deal in building our business and developing an incredibly talented team of people and we believe we are beginning to see the results of our strategic initiatives.”

The executive, who has served in his current role as UNFI’s President, CEO, and as a member of the company’s Board of Directors since September, 2008, is stepping in to succeed Co-Founder, former Chief Executive Officer, and current Chairman Michael S. Funk.

“After 40 years of being involved with UNFI, I am as excited as ever about our future,” said Funk. “Steve and I enjoy a great working relationship and I look forward to continuing to work with him as a member of UNFI’s Board.”

James P. Heffernan, UNFI’s lead Independent Director, commented, “Thanks to Steve’s leadership over the last eight years UNFI has undergone a dramatic evolution. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we have confidence in Steve’s ability to continue to execute upon UNFI’s strategic vision for growth. I would also like to thank Michael for his exemplary leadership of our Board and his continued guidance, input, and leadership.”

In Spinner’s eight years with UNFI, the company noted that its net sales have grown from approximately $3.5 billion in fiscal 2009 to nearly $8.5 billion in fiscal 2016.

Congratulations to him and the company on this new chapter in the business.

UNFI