UNFI Names New Retail President/CEO

United Natural Foods, Inc. has named David Best as president and chief executive officer of Retail, effective Aug. 17. Best will be responsible for accelerating UNFI’s retail business growth strategy while leading the company’s two retail banners, Cub Foods and Shoppers Food Warehouse.

Best most recently spent two years as president and chief operating officer of Coborn’s Inc., based in St. Cloud, Minn., where he implemented a new strategy to accelerate growth, expand into new categories and build the team. He has also served as senior vice president of Omnichannel and Strategic Capabilities for General Mills and spent 19 years with Target, where he held a variety of leadership roles across merchandising, supply chain, and business development.

“I’m excited to join UNFI and accelerate the retail business during such a pivotal time for the Company,” said Best. “As a former UNFI customer and a Minnesota native, I have a great respect for the differentiated value UNFI is creating within our industry and for everything the Cub brand means to the community I call home. I’m energized by the opportunity to work with the UNFI team and all our franchisees as we build a bright future for our retail business.”

“David’s track record of driving retail innovation, his deep industry expertise, and his shopper-centric approach make him an ideal leader to help us write the next chapter of success for our retail business,” said Sandy Douglas, chief executive officer, UNFI. “As a Minnesota native, his connection to the local heritage of our Cub brand and his passion for the communities we serve will be invaluable as we partner with our franchisees to drive long-term, shared growth.”

Best will report to Douglas and serve on UNFI’s senior leadership team.