SpartanNash Promotes Pierce to Lead Marketing

SpartanNash Co. has promoted Larry Pierce to executive vice president of merchandising and marketing, leveraging his 35 years of experience in the food and beverage industry.

Pierce joined the company in 2008 as VP of center store merchandising and has served as interim VP of merchandising and marketing since August 2013.

Dennis Eidson, president and CEO of SpartanNash, said Pierce's experience "matches the breadth of our $7.8 billion operations." Pierce has successfully held critical roles in both retail and wholesale distribution, which Eidson said "allow him to fully understand the needs of our independent retailers as well as our end consumers.  His experience in merchandising, marketing and procurement positions [help] him to deliver the right products, at the right prices to our valued customers and consumers."

Eidson praised Pierce's efforts over the past year in leading the merchandising and marketing team through the merger and integration of Spartan Stores and Nash Finch, during which time he served as interim EVP.  "His ability to work collaboratively across all functions of our company, combined with his wide experience, makes him the right choice for this role as we position the company for future growth,” Eidson said.

Pierce joined SpartanNash in 2008 from Coca-Cola Enterprises, where he served in a variety of positions, including VP of sales for the supermarket, mass and convenience channels. During his time at Coca-Cola, Pierce led the sales team in strategy development, planning and operational execution; he also worked with customers including Giant Eagle, Hy-Vee, Kroger, Marsh and Spartan Stores.

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash Co.'s core businesses include distributing food to military commissaries and exchanges and independent and corporate-owned retail stores located in 44 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Azores, Bahrain and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 166 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, D&W Fresh Markets, No Frills, Bag 'n Save, Sun Mart and Econofoods.