SpartanNash has appointed Jay Mahabir as vice president of retail operations, effective immediately, the grocery retailer and wholesaler announced Monday.
Mahabir, who is joining SpartanNash from Meijer, will be in charge of retail operations at about 200 SpartanNash-operated grocery stores in 10 states. At Meijer, Mahabir was responsible for operations in the Detroit area for more than a decade, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously served in store leadership positions for Lowe’s and Target, according to the announcement.
“We will continue to enhance our shopping experience by focusing on freshness, value and convenience, and Jay will play a critical role in leading this work,” SpartanNash Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Officer Djouma Barry said in a statement.
Mahabir is moving to Michigan-based SpartanNash as the company steps up its focus on its retail segment. SpartanNash’s retail division, which includes stores under banners including Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets and VG’s Grocery, saw sales rise almost 8% during the company’s latest quarter, while its wholesale unit, which accounts for the majority of its overall revenue, posted a decline of more than 2%.
SpartanNash has worked over the past year to expand its retail portfolio, acquiring regional grocery chains Metcalfe’s Market and Fresh Encounter as well as convenience store and fuel station operator Markham Enterprises.
Mahabir’s arrival at SpartanNash comes amid high-level changes in the company’s executive ranks. Earlier this month, SpartanNash disclosed that Chief Merchandising Officer Bennett Morgan will depart Friday. In addition, SpartanNash announced in March that Masiar Tayebi would leave his role as chief strategy and information officer on April 11.
