GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash has named Douglas A. Hacker as the Lead Independent Director, with a unanimous vote from the board’s independent directors to bring him on board. Hacker is succeeding Timothy O’Donovan, as well as Mickey Foret, who retired from the board yesterday.

According to a press release, Hacker is an independent business executive and retired former executive at United Continental, which is a parent company for United Airlines. At United Continental, he served as Executive Vice President of Strategy, as well as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, among other executive roles.

He has been involved with SpartanNash for some time now, having served on the Board of Directors since 2013. At that point in time, Spartan Stores emerged with Nash-Finch Company, and he served as Chair of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee since the merger. Hacker has also served as Chair of the Compensation and the Audit and Finance Committees, as Director of Nash-Finch. In addition to his roles, he also serves as Director of Aircastle Limited and Travelport Worldwide.

"Doug Hacker is a strong leader who has provided strategic thought leadership for many years. The Board is confident that as Lead Independent Director, he will continue to serve our shareholders with sound judgment and strategic insight," said Dennis Eidson, Chairman of the Board. "Our board of directors and the leadership team of SpartanNash extend our sincere thanks to Timothy O’Donovan and also to Mickey Foret for their many years of outstanding service as they retire from the board."

Congratulations to Douglas A. Hacker and the whole SpartanNash team. We look forward to seeing how the plethora of expertise that Hacker brings to the table will impact the company’s success and the industry at large.

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