Organic grocer 'Sprouts' new leadership

PHOENIX — Sprouts Farmers Markets announced that Shon Boney, who has served as CEO since the company's founding in 2002, will assume the role of chairman of the board of Sprouts. Long-time Sprouts president Doug Sanders will become president and CEO, whereby he will continue to be responsible for all day-to-day aspects of running the business.



According to the company, Boney is taking on the chairman role in order to spend more time with his family in Sand Diego.



Sanders, a 27-year grocery industry veteran, joined Sprouts in 2002 when the company had only one store. He became president of Sprouts in 2005 after serving in various roles of increasing responsibility within the company, including CIO and COO. As president, he has been responsible for overseeing the company's day-to-day operations as it has grown to 147 store locations.



Commenting on Sanders' transition to CEO, Shon Boney said, "There comes a time in the growth of every successful company when the founders recognize the need to pass the baton to new leadership. The other Board members and I have been preparing the company for this transition for some time. With the successful integration of the Henry's and Sunflower acquisitions, Sprouts is shifting its focus back to accelerated organic new store growth, and we felt the time was right to transition Doug into the CEO position. Given Doug's long-standing and successful tenure at Sprouts, my expectation is that this will be a seamless transition in the business. I look forward to continuing to provide strategic guidance as an active board chairman going forward."