A New Generation Takes The Top Spot At Big Y Foods
The leadership reins of family owned Big Y Foods has been passed to a new generation as Michael P. D’Amour has been named the grocer’s new president and CEO. He replaces Charles L. D’Amour who was named executive chair of the board.
Additionally, Richard D. Bossie was named executive vice president and chief operating officer.
The grandson of co-founder Paul D’Amour and son of Donald D’Amour, Michael D’Amour was named chief operating officer in 2019. Since joining the company full-time in 1996, he has worked in several areas of the company including operations, store director, buyer, category sales manager, and vice president of sales and marketing.
Also, Michael D’Amour currently serves on the board of FMI/The Food Industry Association and the board of Topco Associates, an $18 billion Food Cooperative based in Itasca, Ill.
“I am extremely excited and humbled for the opportunity to continue to help serve and lead our wonderful company to many more years of growth in service to the communities in which we operate,” Michael D’Amour said. “I would like to thank my father, Donald, for his guidance, Charlie for his steadfast mentorship over the years, and our senior leadership team for their continuous support.”
Charles D’Amour moves into the board chair position after serving for several years as a top executive with the company. The son of co-founder Gerald D’Amour, he was named president in 2006 and CEO in 2019.
He began his career at an early age working through various positions in the supermarket including store director. After completing college and law school, he rejoined the company in 1978 where he served in many capacities including sales manager, vice president of sales and marketing, and COO in addition to his responsibilities for real estate development where he has led Big Y’s strategic direction and growth.
As executive chairman, Charles D’Amour will continue to provide oversight, strategic advice and board leadership through the transition. He will also continue to serve as a member of the real estate and development committee.
“For nearly 90 years, Big Y has been proud to honor the legacy of our founders, Paul and Gerry D’Amour, as a family company focused on our employees, our customers and the communities we serve,” Charles D’Amour said. “It’s been an honor to have been personally connected with our company and to have had the privilege of working alongside my father, uncle, cousin Donald and sister Claire. I have worked closely with
Michael D’Amour, other members of our 3rd generation of family members along with the rest of our leadership team who are all well poised to lead our company and continue that legacy of service. I have the utmost trust and confidence in Michael and Rick to continue our company’s growth and success.”
Bossie, the company’s new COO, has more than 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry beginning as a part-time service clerk. He joined Big Y in 1986 and has worked in all areas of store operations including store director and later as a district director until his appointment as director of operations in 2010. In 2019, he was named senior vice president of retail operations and customer experience. He also leads the company’s other retail banners such as Big Y Express gas and convenience and Table & Vine fine wines and liquors along with teams for asset protection and continuous improvement.
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England, operating locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with more than 10,000 employees.
