Former Winn-Dixie and Kings Food Markets executive Dan Portnoy has joined The Fresh Market as chief merchandising officer.
The Greensboro, N.C.-based natural and organic grocer said Thursday that Portnoy becomes part of its senior leadership team, reporting directly to President and CEO Larry Appel. In leading the merchandising organization, Portnoy will oversee the retailer’s merchandising directors as well as Lance Twitty, group vice president of merchandise operations.
Most recently a consultant in the food and beverage sector, Portnoy (left) brings more than 35 years of experience in food retail merchandising and marketing, The Fresh Market noted.
He served as chief merchandising and marketing officer at Winn-Dixie Stores from 2007 to 2011 and as president and CEO of Kings Food Markets/Balducci's Markets from 1998 to 2006.
Before that, Portnoy was senior vice president of global sales, marketing and new business development at beverage company Cott Corp. from 1995 to 1998 and group vice president at brand development firm Daymon Worldwide from 1990 to 1995.
“I believe Dan to be one of the brightest and most creative merchants in the industry,” Appel said in a statement. “He possesses both a strong understanding of our specialty brand and the business acumen to deliver results. With Dan at the helm of our merchandising team, I am confident that we will achieve our vision of being the premier fresh-focused specialty food retailer.”
Overall, The Fresh Market operates 160 fresh-focused supermarkets in 22 states.
