UNFI COO to Retire in October

United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI) has announced that chief operating officer Eric Dorne is slated to retire from the company in the fall. Donne has spent 46 years in the grocery industry, and the last 11 in senior leadership roles at UNFI.

Dorne will continue to oversee UNFI’s operations and fulfillment network, as well as lead information technology through his retirement date. UNFI, a food wholesaler, has several private brands under its assortment, and serves them to natural product superstores, independent retailers and more.

“I am grateful for the many opportunities UNFI has provided me over the past 11 years,” said Dorne. “I am thankful for the tremendous support from my colleagues, our board of directors and all associates throughout the UNFI network. Together, we have created an organization with great potential built on a strong foundation. I have enjoyed my 46-year journey from part-time grocery bagger to today, and I am excited to watch our next generation of leaders take UNFI to new levels of success.”

UNFI said it expects to share in the coming months its plans for a transition of Dorne’s responsibilities following his retirement. Dorne spent the first 35 years of his career in a variety of leadership roles at A&P Supermarkets. He joined UNFI as senior vice president and chief information officer in 2011. During his UNFI tenure, he served as chief administrative officer and president of strategic business units prior to assuming his current role as chief operating officer.