Staples to Succeed Eidson as SpartanNash CEO
SpartanNash CEO and Chairman Dennis Eidson plans to retire as CEO on May 23, opening that office’s door to David Staples, currently the company’s president and COO.
Staples was appointed to the SpartanNash Board of Directors on March 2. Eidson will continue as board chairman.
“Under Dennis’ guidance, the company has achieved remarkable success in executing its business strategies and leveraging the food distribution, retail, and military segments to achieve sustainable growth,” said Tim O’Donovan, lead director. “Dennis’ demonstrated leadership through the merger with Nash Finch Company and the successful integration of Spartan Stores and Nash Finch has positioned our company for continued success and growth.”
O’Donovan further pointed to the company’s the recent acquisition of Indianapolis-based Caito Foods Service and Blue Ribbon Transport as achievements during Eidson’s tenure.
“Dave has been an instrumental member of our executive team for the past 17 years and a key leader in our transformational merger in 2013,” Eidson said of his successor. “His leadership has been an essential component to our success and I have great confidence in his ability to lead our remarkable group of associates to deliver the best in customer focus and service.”
Staples said he’s "honored and humbled to be appointed to this critical leadership role." Prior to becoming president and COO, he served as the company’s CFO.
“SpartanNash is poised for growth and we continue to leverage our retail competencies and innovative distribution network to achieve our vision to be a best-in-class business that feels local, where relationships matter,” Eidson said. “Dave’s thought leadership, strategic insight, extensive knowledge of our industry and commitment to advancing our culture and core values will serve SpartanNash well for years to come.”
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. SpartanNash serves customer locations in 47 states and the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Bahrain and Egypt. SpartanNash currently operates 155 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, Family Fresh Market, D&W Fresh Market and SunMart.