SpartanNash appoints Lori Raya as Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer
On Feb. 6, 2019, SpartanNash announced Former Division President of Albertsons Companies Lori Raya will join SpartanNash as its new Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, effective Feb. 18, 2019. Raya spent 31 years at Safeway/Albertsons and most recently served as Division President of Albertsons from 2015-2018. She led the post-merger transition with Safeway and integration of multiple banner teams within her division.
At SpartanNash Raya will be responsible for the development and execution of the enterprise-wide merchandising and marketing strategy, ensuring alignment with the enterprise’s overall business strategy, and providing strategic direction to develop, analyze, and implement product assortment, brand positioning, sales planning, pricing, promotion, sourcing and distribution for independent customers and corporate owned stores. This includes directing in-depth research and analysis of consumer trends and sales performance and driving innovation to enhance the customer experience in-store and online. Raya will also be responsible for increasing sales and market share, improving productivity and profitability and cultivating an engaged, customer-centric work force. She will report to SpartanNash’s President and CEO, David Staples.
“Lori’s success as a strategic thinker, collaborative influencer, change manager, community contributor and visionary leader has enabled her to lead marketing and merchandising teams to deliver innovative, customer-focused changes while driving sales and supporting associate development,” Staples said. “Her career path is also inspiring to all those who love this industry and want to help take the company to the next level. We look forward to having her onboard,” he said.
Raya will take over the position from Larry Pierce who will be retiring in September 2019.