SpartanNash names new chief retail officer
SpartanNash’s growing retail footprint will now be overseen by a former Kroger and Target executive.
The Michigan-based food solutions company has named Djouma Barry as its senior VP and chief retail officer, overseeing strategy and operations at SpartanNash’s stores. Barry is stepping into the position preceded by executive VP of corporate retail Thomas Swanson, as Swanson will exit and transition into a consulting arrangement at the end of year.
Barry most recently served as VP of retail operations at Kroger, beginning in April of 2023. Prior to Kroger, Barry served as VP and head of strategy and operations at Old Navy and as VP of retail operations and planning at Lululemon.
Barry spent most of his career at Target, where over 13 years he progressively worked his way up from a store's sales floor leader to VP of process operations, overseeing 1,900 stores and $93 billion in sales across the United States.
"The way Djouma has advanced from the store floor to the executive table makes him a highly inspirational leader for our 12,000+ retail associates," said SpartanNash CEO Tony Sarsam. "Djouma will play a critical role in advancing our People First culture and enhancing the store guest experience across our growing retail footprint."
The retail footprint that Barry will oversee at SpartanNash has grown significantly this year. The company has made several acquisitions this year, most recently of Mid-Michigan convenience store operator Markham Enterprises, which will add three stores to its footprint.
Earlier in October, SpartanNash acquired Fresh Encounter Inc., a 49-store supermarket chain serving Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. In April, the company announced the acquisition of Metcalfe's Market, a three-store grocery chain in Wisconsin.
Based in Grand Rapids, SpartanNash operates 147 brick-and-mortar grocery stores, primarily under the banners of Family Fare, Martin's Super Markets and D&W Fresh Market, in addition to dozens of pharmacies and fuel centers.
