SpartanNash Taps Brian Holt as New Marketing Veep

Brian Holt has joined SpartanNash as its new VP of marketing, where he will be responsible for driving customer engagement through marketing and advertising, brand positioning, market research, ecommerce and loyalty programs.

Reporting to Larry Pierce, EVP of merchandising and marketing, Holt most recently served as VP of marketing, advertising and public relations at Weis Markets from 2012 to 2017, where he led the marketing and consumer communication strategy as well as ecommerce, loyalty marketing and corporate branding initiatives for the regional food retailer. He also served as director of marketing for three years, building a strong website and social media presence. 

“Brian is an accomplished senior leader and marketing specialist, with a history of boosting sales performance through retailer loyalty programs and marketing campaigns,” said Pierce, noting that Holt is “also well-versed in market penetration and growth through consumer research and product placement strategies. As SpartanNash expands its click-and-collect program, Yes loyalty efforts and personalized shopping experiences, Brian will be a valuable addition to lead our marketing team.” 

Earlier in his career, Holt held various marketing and product management positions with Black & Decker Hardware and Home Improvement, Masco Corporation, R&B Inc. and Newell Rubbermaid.   

He holds a master’s degree in marketing from St. Joseph’s University – where he continues to serve as a member of the Academy of Food Marketing Board of Governors – and a bachelor’s degree in finance from Drexel University. He is also a graduate of the Food Executive Program at Cornell University. 

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash’s core businesses include distributing grocery products to independent grocery retailers, national accounts, its corporate-owned retail stores and U.S. military commissaries. In addition, the company also operates 153 supermarkets primarily under the Family Fare, Family Fresh, D&W and SunMart banners. Through its MDV military division, SpartanNash is the leading distributor of grocery products to military commissaries in the United States.