SpartanNash names new CMMO

SpartanNash has hired Lori Raya to be its new chief merchandising and marketing officer effective Feb. 18.

Raya joins SpartanNash following a 31-year career with Safeway/Albertsons, most recently serving as division president of Albertsons from 2015-2018 following her role as division president of Vons, a western supermarket chain owned by Albertsons.

In her most recent job, Raya led the post-merger transition with Safeway and integration of multiple banner teams within her division for the second largest grocery store chain in the United States, with more than 2,200 stores and 250,000 employees.

“Lori’s success as a strategic thinker, collaborative influencer, change manager, community contributor and visionary leader has enabled her to lead marketing and merchandising teams to deliver innovative, customer-focused changes while driving sales and supporting associate development,” said SpartanNash’s President and CEO David M. Staples. “Her career path is also inspiring to all those who love this industry and want to help take the company to the next level. We look forward to having her onboard.”

As SpartanNash’s CMMO, Raya will be responsible for the development and execution of the enterprise-wide merchandising and marketing strategy, among other duties.

Raya will also be responsible for increasing sales and market share, improving productivity and profitability, and cultivating an engaged, customer-centric work force. She will report to Staples.

Raya is assuming the CMMO position from Larry Pierce who will be retiring.

SpartanNash currently operates 160 supermarkets, primarily under the banners of Family Fare Supermarkets, Martin’s Super Markets, D&W Fresh Market, VG’s Grocery, Dan's Supermarket and Family Fresh Market.