SPRINGFIELD, IL - Big changes are in order for Big Y Foods this month. The retailer recently announced a slew of senior executive changes that took effect on January 1—changes including a new CEO, as Donald D’Amour steps down and transitions from his day-to-day responsibilities as CEO and Chairman into the new role of Chairman Emeritus.
“Our company continues to grow and evolve, and we are always developing opportunities to better serve our customers in the communities where we operate,” Donald said, in a press release. “Ushering in strategic change requires a dedicated group of professionals and leaders such as this team, which is at the vanguard of the most innovative thinking in our industry. I’m proud of this seasoned, well-respected team that is well-poised to lead our company now and into the future.”
Donald was first appointed CEO in 1980. In 1997, he succeeded his father and Co-Founder, Paul D’Amour, as Chairman of the Board.
In order to ensure a smooth transition, Charles D’Amour, son of Co-Founder Gerald D’Amour, has been appointed Big Y's new CEO; he will continue as President, as well, a position he has held since 2006. In his new role as CEO, Charles will be responsible for helping to drive the overall strategic direction of Big Y along with the company’s vision and mission. In addition to providing overall leadership and oversight, key departments of Finance, Legal, Real Estate and Development, Employee Services, and Information Resources Technology will report directly to Charles.
Michael D’Amour, current EVP and grandson of Paul D’Amour and son of Donald, has added the role of COO to his roster of responsibilities. As COO, a position formerly held by Charles, Michael will be responsible for all operating aspects of the company, including Sales, Operations, Distribution, and Supply Chain. Michael first began his full-time career at Big Y in 1996.
In addition, Guy McFarlane, Big Y’s VP of Fresh Foods, has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, where he will oversee sales and procurement, pricing, marketing, and data analytics. McFarlane will report to Michael D’Amour. McFarlane first began his career at Big Y more than 23 years ago, serving as VP of Fresh Foods since 2011; he has been in the supermarket industry for 41 years.
VP of Operations Richard Bossie has also been promoted to SVP of Operations and Customer Experience. Bossie brings more than 38 years of retail experience to his newly expanded role—more than 30 with Big Y. In this expanded role, Bossie will oversee all operational aspects of the company as they affect customer experience—including labor planning, inventory control and ordering, checkout and customer service, and retail asset protection. Bossie will also oversee all operational aspects of Big Y Express Gas and Convenience Division and Big Y’s flagship beer, spirits, and fine-wine store Table and Vine. Bossie will report to Michael D’Amour.
Senior Director of Store Operations—and granddaughter of Paul and daughter of Donald D’Amour—Nicole D’Amour Schneider has been appointed to the new position of VP of Supermarket Operations, with a focus on the daily operations of the supermarket division. Along with the five district directors reporting to her, she will continue to drive operational excellence throughout the chain. She reports to Bossie.
The company noted, in its press release, that these changes are intended to align with the enterprise’s expanding business activities and the dynamic shifts that are occurring within the supermarket, convenience, and retail liquor industries.
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