KEASBEY, NJ - Just last week, we revealed that distinguished retail executive Michael Stigers was stepping down from his CEO position at United Natural Foods, Inc.’s (UNFI) Cub Foods. Now, the expert has landed within the ranks of Wakefern Food Corp., assuming the role of President, effective June 1.

“I am excited to join Wakefern at this important time in its history. The strength of the cooperative and its solid position as a regional grocery is well-known in the industry,” said Stigers. “I am looking forward to joining the team and working alongside the cooperative membership to help shape its future.”

Stigers enters this role with five decades of industry experience, including a distinguished track record on both the retail and wholesale sides of the business. He has served as Chief Executive Officer of Cub Foods since 2019, and prior to that, he spent eight years at SuperValu, where he joined in 2011 as President of Shaw’s/Star Market in New England.

In 2013, Stigers took the lead of SuperValu’s northern wholesale region before being named President of Cub Foods in 2014. In 2016, he was promoted to Executive Vice President, SuperValu Wholesale and Supply Chain Services, occupying that role until it was acquired by UNFI in 2018, a press release explained.

“Mike brings with him five decades of industry leadership, proven success, and respect among his peers and the supplier community,” Wakefern’s Chairman Joe Colalillo said. “Wakefern will benefit from that broad knowledge base and leadership experience. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I want to thank Joe Sheridan for his decades-long dedication to Wakefern and for his role in the search and selection process—it has been invaluable.”

Stigers will report to Wakefern’s Board of Directors, stepping in for current President Joe Sheridan, who announced his retirement last year. Sheridan will remain with the company through the end of the calendar year to ensure a successful transition, after which he will cap off a successful 47-year career with the retail cooperative.

“Wakefern’s unique culture and structure is at the heart of its success,” said Sheridan. “I believe Mike Stigers is the right leader who will preserve the best of who we are and at the same time continue to move Wakefern forward. I look forward to working with him through the transition process.”

To read more about Stigers’ extensive career, click here.

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Wakefern Food Corp.