SpartanNash appoints Walt Lentz to oversee food distribution segment

Grand Rapids, Mich.-based SpartanNash appointed Walt Lentz as its executive vice president and president of food distribution. He reports to SpartanNash President and CEO David M. Staples.

Lentz oversees the company’s $4 billion food distribution segment and has responsibility for the total company supply chain. He is also responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to grow the wholesale distribution and food manufacturing businesses’ profitability.

According to the company, Lentz has entered the new role with three decades of logistics and supply chain experience, including as CEO and chief supply chain officer of Peapod LLC, the Chicago-based e-grocery business division of Ahold Delhaize USA, from 2017 to 2019.

“Walt’s multidisciplined logistics and supply chain career and commanding knowledge of the grocery industry from distribution, retailing and omnichannel commerce to manufacturing and merchandising are in direct alignment with SpartanNash’s supply chain optimization and strategic growth objectives,” Staples said. “We believe his expertise and energy to accelerate our strategic plan will be an asset to our organization.”