Whole Foods Market adds Target omnichannel guru to exec ranks

Whole Foods Market is adding a Target veteran with experience in technology and omnichannel marketing to its executive leadership team.



The grocery retailer announced that it has named Don J. Clark global VP of purchasing for non-perishables.



“He is a proven leader in the retail industry with a clear track record of delivering results. His core values align very well with our company’s, and we are confident that Don will execute a range of innovative strategies that help take our non-perishables business to the next level.”



Clark will be responsible for all functions of Whole Foods Market’s non-perishable business, including growth through strong supplier relationships, inventory and category management initiatives and the management and expansion of the grocer’s robust exclusive brands program, which generated approximately $1.8 billion in sales in fiscal year 2014 from approximately 4,400 SKUs led by the company’s 365 Everyday Value line.



“We’re very pleased to welcome Don to our team,” said A.C. Gallo, president and COO. “He is a proven leader in the retail industry with a clear track record of delivering results. His core values align very well with our company’s, and we are confident that Don will execute a range of innovative strategies that help take our non-perishables business to the next level.”



Clark joins Whole Foods Market from Target Corporation, where he helped in the ongoing transformation of Target’s grocery business through significant investments in merchandising, produce sourcing, store design, supply chain, store operations, technology and omnichannel capabilities. Prior to that, Clark led the expansion of the Merchandise Planning and Presentation capabilities in Target’s Bangalore, India office for its U.S. store and .com businesses, where he implemented more efficient, cost-effective operations and innovative U.S. personalization and localization efforts.



“The Whole Foods Market brand is the benchmark in quality for all other retailers in the growing natural and organic grocery space,” Clark said. “I have a real passion for health and wellness and am thrilled by the opportunity to lead an already strong non-perishables team as we continue to further differentiate Whole Foods Market products from the competition.”



In fiscal year 2014, the company had sales of approximately $14 billion and currently has 431 stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.