Vitamin Shoppe names new CEO

The Vitamin Shoppe has made it permanent.

The vitamin and nutritional products specialty retailer named Lee A. Wright as CEO, effective immediately. He has served as interim chief executive since January 2023, following the abrupt departure of Sharon Leite, who was subsequently named CEO of the aesthetic brand Ideal Image. 

Additionally, Muriel Gonzalez, previously executive VP, chief merchandising and marketing officer of Vitamin Shoppe, has been promoted to president.

Wright formerly served as the chief commercial officer of Franchise Group, Vitamin Shoppe’s parent company since January 2022. Prior to joining Franchise Group, he served in various executive positions at Conn’s,  including COO and CFO.

Gonzalez, who joined the Vitamin Shoppe in 2020, previously held senior merchandising roles at Macy’s from 2006 to 2017, leaving as executive VP, omni general merchandise manager of beauty, which included oversight of the Bluemercury specialty retail stores.

“I look forward to building on our growth strategy, including expanding through franchising, further developing our robust portfolio of private brands, and deepening relationships with our most productive partners,” said Wright. “Across our organization, I am committed to driving operational enhancements and marketing innovations to serve our communities with the highest quality products, and industry-leading expertise and service.”

In the U.S., the company has more than 690 company-operated stores under The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements banners. The company is expanding its retail footprint via an omnichannel franchising model. It opened its first franchise stores in 2022. 

Globally, The Vitamin Shoppe serves customers in select Asia, South America, and Central America markets through local omnichannel partners.