Sprouts Exec Chair Doug Sanders Resigns

Sprouts Farmers Market Inc.’s Executive Chair Doug Sanders has announced his intent to resign from his position to focus his efforts on his recent appointment as CEO of a technology company, effective Feb. 20, 2017.

“Doug has been an integral part of Sprouts since our inception and was instrumental in our evolution from one store in 2002 to one of the largest and fastest growing healthy grocery stores in the country,” said Amin Maredia, Sprouts CEO. “On behalf of all of our team members, I’d like to thank Doug for his leadership and service to Sprouts, and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Effective upon his resignation, Joseph Fortunato, an independent director, will become non-executive chairman. He has served as a member of Sprouts’ board since 2013, and previously served as an executive for 24 years at health, wellness and performance retailer GNC Holdings Inc., including most recently as chairman, CEO and president.

“As we continue to build on our strategic initiatives to enhance our healthy living business, I look forward to working with Joe in his new role as chairman and leveraging the deep high-growth, specialty retail knowledge that Joe has built over his 40-year career,” said Maredia.

Phoenix-based Sprouts Farmers Market Inc. operates more than 250 stores in 13 states, and employs more than 24,000 team members.