UNFI Names Jim Gehr as the New Chief Supply Chain Officer
PROVIDENCE, RI - United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) added another dynamic player to its C-suite team. The wholesaler recently named Jim Gehr to the position of Chief Supply Chain Officer, effective May 4.
In this position, Gehr will lead an organization of over 12,000 associates working across four regions and a whopping 59 distribution centers, all of which deliver 1.3 billion cases annually to the wholesaler’s customers. Gehr will focus right away on UNFI’s warehouse logistics and further advance the company’s automation investments, distribution center expansions, and network optimization. In this role, he will report directly to Chief Operating Officer Eric Dorne.
"Jim is a highly-regarded supply chain executive who brings operational excellence experience to UNFI along with a proven track record of building and motivating teams," said Dorne. "He has a history of creating and growing business opportunities, establishing sustainable processes, and developing a strong culture of continuous improvement that drives value throughout the supply chain and, ultimately, to customers. His unique experiences—from integrating emerging technologies to effectively utilizing data analytics—will enhance UNFI's long-term operating model and help accelerate our innovation. Jim is an engaging leader and we're excited to welcome him to UNFI."
In his previous role, Gehr spent 29 years with DHL Supply Chain, where he has served as President, Retail North America since 2004. In this role, a press release noted, Gehr oversaw the operations for 72 facilities, providing store, e-commerce, and multi-channel fulfillment as well as import center deconsolidation, return center operations, and store delivery across national networks for more than 30 major North American retailers.
As he led DHL’s retail organization, Gehr also assumed leadership of the transportation organization, serving as President, Transportation North America from 2013 to 2016. Prior to joining DHL, Gehr was a Senior Manager at Ernst & Young in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
He received his BSBA in Accounting from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and his CPA from Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Earlier this year, Paul Green, UNFI’s current Chief Supply Officer, announced that he was taking on the role of President, UNFI Fresh. In this position, Green will oversee UNFI’s produce and meat business and will report directly to UNFI Chairman and CEO Steven L. Spinner.
"I want to thank Paul for the tremendous job he's done overseeing our supply chain throughout many years of rapid growth and change," concluded Dorne. "I truly appreciate Paul's leadership, exemplary results, partnership, and friendship, and know he will do an amazing job overseeing our Fresh business."
Congratulations to Jim on this new role! AndNowUKnow will keep you updated on the latest in the world of retail, wholesale, and more.
