Meijer exec to lead Fresh Thyme Farmers Market as CEO departs

Chris Sherrell is no longer with Fresh Thyme Farmers Market. 

Sherrell announced his departure from the specialty grocer, where he has served as president and CEO since its beginnings in 2012. Under his leadership, Fresh Thyme has grown to 77 locations in 11 states, primarily in the upper Midwest.  Prior to joining Fresh Thyme, from 2003 to 2012, Sherrell was with Sunflower Farmers Market, first as COO and then as president and CEO. (The company merged with Sprouts Farmers Market in 2012.)

“I am extremely proud of the company I was able to build as well as our mission of bringing fresh and healthy food at an amazing value to dozens of communities,” said Sherrell. “As happens with many entrepreneurs, as Fresh Thyme has matured, I am ready for my next challenge.”

Effective with Sherrell’s departure, Gerald Melville has been selected to lead Fresh Thyme in the role of president. A 39-year retail veteran, Melville joins Fresh Thyme from Meijer where he was a regional VP of stores, overseeing operations for nearly 50 Meijer supercenters in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Prior to joining Meijer in 2009, Melville held a variety of senior leadership roles with Albertson’s and Supervalu, including broad responsibility for store operations, customer service, labor, food safety and asset protection.

“Fresh Thyme is a dynamic brand with an ideal offering for today’s health conscious customer,” said Melville. “ I’m looking forward to joining the team and working together to continue the company’s growth and success.”

Fresh Thyme combines the spirit of a weekend farmers market and the convenience of a neighborhood grocery store with the nutritious offerings of a natural food marketplace.