Robb to serve alongside Mackey as CEO

AUSTIN, Texas Whole Foods Market, announced the promotions by the board of directors of Walter Robb and A.C. Gallo. Robb and Gallo have shared the roles of president and chief operating officer since October 2004. Effective immediately, Robb will become co-chief executive officer and will join the company's board of directors. Gallo will serve as the company's sole president and chief operating officer.

John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, will continue as co-chief executive officer, serving alongside Robb. 

"Walter and A.C. are brilliant retailers, and their contributions to Whole Foods Market's success have been immeasurable.  Due in large part to their operational leadership, we successfully managed through 2009, the most difficult year in our company's 30-year history," said Mackey.  "In proposing these changes to our board of directors, my goal was to establish the structure necessary to solidify our executive leadership team for what is hopefully many years to come.  While our company has achieved much over our 30-year history, we believe the best is yet to come for Whole Foods Market and want to work together to see our collective vision realized."