Derek Jones
BYRON TOWNSHIP, MI -- Two SpartanNash Co. executive vice presidents have been promoted to key positions, the Byron Township-based grocer announced this week.
Dave Staples, SpartanNash's current executive vice president and chief financial officer, has been appointed chief operating officer, and Derek Jones, executive vice president of food distribution, has been promoted to president of wholesale and distribution operations. Both promotions took effect March 1.
As COO, Staples will oversee all three operating segments of the company: retail, wholesale and military distribution.
CEO Dennis Eidson said Staples' new role will enable him to focus more of his time on the company's long-term strategic plans and potential growth opportunities. Staples will continue his CFO duties until his replacement is hired.
"This appointment is part of our robust three-year integration plan," the chief executive officer said in a statement. "The size and scope of SpartanNash today demands a dedicated chief operating officer. We are pleased to have had such an exceptional internal candidate."
As CFO, Staples helped guide the grocery retailer and wholesale distributor from $1.98 billion in 2003 to $7.9 billion in 2014. SpartanNash is the parent company of more than 100 supermarkets across Michigan including Family Fare and D&W Fresh Market stores.
"Dave's leadership was critical to our 'game changing' merger of Spartan Stores and The Nash Finch Co. in November of 2013," Eidson said. "He also has been an instrumental and respected member of our executive team, helping to define our strategic direction, drive our customer-centric business model and cultivate strong customer relationships."
Staples joined SpartanNash in January 2000, serving as the company's executive vice president and CFO since November of 2000. In that role, Staples directed finance, real estate, the treasurer's department, internal audit, risk management and information technology.
Before joining the company, Staples held positions with Kmart and Arthur Andersen. He is a certified public accountant.
Staples currently serves on the board of directors of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Rapids Symphony.
Jones will report to Staples and oversee the entire supply chain, including military supply chain operations.
"This streamlined approach is critical to our mission to leverage our expertise in food distribution and retail to develop, activate and provide impactful solutions that exceed expectations for associates, customers and partners," Eidson said. "Derek's extensive experience and expertise in food distribution will result in increased efficiencies and a 'one way' operation with his leadership."
Jones oversees SpartanNash's wholesale and supply chain operations, including warehousing, transportation, new business development, replenishment and customer service. In his expanded role, Jones will now oversee the military operations supply chain.
He joined the company in 2006 from Unisource Worldwide Inc., where he served as vice president of distribution for the company's Eastern region, covering 35 states, 48 distributions centers and $3 billion in annual delivery sales. He has also held senior operations management positions with Office Depot, Walgreen's and Wal-Mart.
Jones currently serves on the board of directors of National Grocers Association.
SpartanNash announced some changes at the executive level in recent months.
In November, Patrick Weslow was brought on as a new vice president of national accounts for SpartanNash's distribution segment. Weslow's experience includes 19 years in sales and distribution for Coca-Cola.
In January, Peter O'Donnell was promoted to vice president of merger integration, a new position at the company. Based in Minneapolis, O'Donnell will oversee the integration of the company's legacy Nash Finch and legacy Spartan Stores operations. O'Donnell previously served as the company's chief accounting officer.
Thomas A. Van Hall was appointed interim chief accounting officer. He served as SpartanNash's vice president of finance since March 2001, and has been co-leading the company's merger integration.
Shandra Martinez covers business for MLive/The Grand Rapids Press. Email her or follow her on Twitter @shandramartinez.