Former Winn-Dixie exec takes helm of specialty grocer

The Fresh Market has ended its search for a new chief executive.



The grocer appointed Larry Appel as the company’s president and CEO, effective immediately. Appel brings nearly 30 years of experience in retail, legal and corporate strategy, and most recently served as CEO of Skeeter Snacks. From 2002 to 2012, he served at Winn-Dixie Stores in a variety of senior leadership roles including COO. Prior to that, he was senior VP of legal at The Home Depot.



In June 2017, Fresh Market CEO Richard Anicetti resigned after less than two years on the job. Brian Nicholson, CFO of Fresh Market, was appointed interim CEO. He will remain as CFO.



“Following an extensive search and review of both internal and external candidates, the Board believes that Larry is the best leader for The Fresh Market going forward," stated Andrew Jhawar, chairman, Fresh Market, and senior partner at Apollo Global Management, which acquired the grocer in April 2016. "We look forward to partnering with Larry and are confident in his ability to lead operationally and to execute strategies to ‘win’ with our customers."



Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market operates 176 stores in 24 states across the nation.