Kings/Balducci’s Appoints SVP Merchandising/Marketing

Kings Food Markets and Balducci’s Food Lover’s Market have hired Stephen Corradini as the upscale banners’ SVP of merchandising and marketing. Corradini comes to Kings and Balducci’s with more than 15 years of experience in food retail, including stints as VP of the South Region and director of specialty foods at Austin, Texas-based Whole Foods Market. His most recent role was as COO of a startup specialty ice-cream company.

“Stephen brings an unrivaled depth of experience to our team, with expertise in a broad range of areas from merchandising, marketing, brand positioning and category management to culinary trends, retail design and product innovation,” noted Kings/Balducci’s Chairman and CEO Judy Spires. “He will be integral to the process as we continue to move these brands in an exciting new direction.”

“I’m proud to be joining such a talented team, and I look forward to growing these brands while continuing to ensure a superior customer experience both in-store and online,” said Corradini, who is also a Fulbright Fellow for dissertation research and has taught history at the college level. 

Parsippany, N.J.-based Kings has 25 stores in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut., while Balducci’s markets are in New York, Connecticut, Maryland and Virginia. with Gourmet On The Go café locations in New York City and Baltimore.