PCC Natural Markets Names Cate Hardy CEO

PCC Natural Markets has hired former Starbucks executive Cate Hardy as the grocer's new CEO, effective Jan. 23.

Bringing more than 15 years of retail operations and management experience to the role, Hardy's "background and values are ideally suited for guiding PCC’s growth in an increasingly competitive environment," said Randy Lee, PCC's CFO and interim CEO.

Throughout her tenure with Starbucks, Hardy served in director positions in store development and strategy, and later VP roles for global commercialization, customer service and global store development. She most recently served as VP of operations. Prior to Starbucks, Hardy worked at Washington Mutual, McKinsey & Company and Deloitte.

Added Hardy: “PCC is recognized and admired in the Pacific Northwest as a natural foods retailer that has achieved continual success through high product standards, sustainable business practices, and putting its community of members, customers, growers, and suppliers first."