GRAND RAPIDS, MI - SpartanNash is welcoming the former Chief Information Officer for Wisconsin-based SC Johnson and Sons, Arif Dar, to its leadership team. Dar will take on SpartanNash's Chief Information Officer position, effective January 2, 2019.

After receiving his Master of Business Administration degree in MIS and Operations from the University of Western Ontario, Canada; his Master of Science degree in Communication Systems and Radio Engineering from King’s College, University of London, U.K.; and his Bachelor of Science degree in Electronics & Electrical Engineering from the University of Engineering & Technology in Lahore, Pakistan, Dar served in executive IT positions at Maple Leaf Foods (Toronto), Bombardier Transportation (Berlin, Germany), General Motors (Michigan), Tyco International (New Jersey), and General Electric (USA, Asia, Middle East, Europe, Americas). Dar also has his black belt in Six Sigma Quality Training

“We look forward to having Arif join the company, as his record of large-scale IT strategic planning and execution combined with his vision, collaborative leadership, supply chain experience, and knowledge of the food distribution industry lay the foundation for success at SpartanNash," said President and Chief Executive Officer David M. Staples. "During his tenure at SC Johnson, Arif’s cross-functional relationships throughout the business, empowering management style, and ability to drive operating efficiencies with diverse technologies drove an improved customer experience, cost savings, and sales growth.”

In his new position with SpartanNash, Dar will report to Staples and be responsible for developing and executing a company-wide IT strategy, leading the IT team, and leveraging technologies to drive and sustain a competitive advantage, according to a press release. This will include ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business strategy and providing strategic direction and oversight for the design, development, operation, and support of IT systems and programs. Dar also will provide oversight of SpartanNash’s architecture management, application management, security and risk management, and infrastructure and operations support management.

Dar's appointment to the Chief Information Officer role follows David deS. Couch’s retirement from the position. Couch first joined SpartanNash in 1987 and has held the CIO position since 2013.

“Dave’s leadership has been key to our success. We thank Dave for his contributions to the company and wish him and his family all the best,” Staples concluded.

Congratulations to David deS. Couch and Arif Dar on these next stages in their careers! AndNowUKnow will continue to report and latest fresh produce news.

SpartanNash