GNC to tackle new market opportunities

PITTSBURGH — GNC Holdings has named Carmine Fortino as EVP, business development. Fortino has extensive experience in the natural products industry and was also a former director of General Nutrition Centers, Inc. from 2007-2011.

"Carmine is a great addition to the GNC senior management team. His background in multichannel development across the health and wellness segment will enhance our approach to new market opportunities as we continue to implement GNC's proven growth strategy," said Joseph Fortunato, GNC's chairman, president and CEO.

Fortino has led multi-brand, multichannel environments augmented by a solid background in supply chain logistics.

Most recently, Fortino was president of North American operations for Atrium Innovations, Inc., a Canadian natural health products company. In that role, his focus was on directing and building strong brand positions within the Health Food Store, Health Care Professional and Direct to Consumer channels. He is also a former CEO of Seroyal International, Inc., a Toronto-based natural nutraceutical company.

Prior to that, he held various management roles within Loblaw Companies Limited, including EVP of Ontario operations. Earlier, he served as EVP of Zehrmart Limited, an Ontario-based grocery chain owned by Loblaw Companies Limited.

GNC Holdings, Inc., headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, is a leading global specialty retailer of health and wellness products, including vitamins, minerals and herbal supplement products, sports nutrition products and diet products. It has more than 8,300 locations, of which more than 6,200 retail locations are in the United States (including 969 franchise and 2,189 Rite Aid franchise store-within-a-store locations) and franchise operations in 55 countries (including distribution centers where retail sales are made).