GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Another retail industry leader has announced their upcoming retirement, as Dennis Eidson revealed that he would be retiring as Chairman of the SpartanNash Board of Directors when his term expires at the 2021 Annual Meeting. Stepping in to take his place is Lead Independent Director Douglas A. Hacker, who has been nominated by The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Board.
“It’s an honor to be nominated to succeed Dennis as Chairman. Few Executives have accomplished more than Dennis during his nearly 20 years of leadership at SpartanNash,” said Hacker. “On behalf of the Board and all of us at SpartanNash, I want to thank Dennis for his distinguished service as we continue his unwavering commitment to driving growth and shareholder value.”
Hacker joined the SpartanNash Board in November of 2013 and has served as Lead Independent Director since May of 2018. Prior to joining SpartanNash, he served as Director of Nash Finch Company from 2005 until its merger.
Currently, Hacker is an independent business executive and formerly served as Executive Vice President, Strategy for UAL Corporation, the United Airlines holding company, from December 2002 to May 2006. He also held the role of President, UAL Loyalty Services from September 2001 to December 2003 and Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Airlines from July 1994 to September 2001.
Hacker now serves as Chair of the Columbia Funds Board, a mutual fund complex with over $300 billion of assets. He also serves as a Director of Aircastle Limited, a privately held commercial aircraft leasing company. Formerly, he held the position of Director of Travelport Worldwide Limited from 2016 to 2019 and served as a director of SeaCube Container Leasing Ltd. from 2010 until 2014.
It is expected that Hacker will be elected to his new role as Chairman at the Annual Meeting on May 26, 2021, according to a press release.
“It has been a privilege to be a part of SpartanNash’s growth and transformation over the years,” said Eidson. “I have been fortunate to work with a talented board and management team throughout my tenure, including Doug. His expertise, insights, and deep knowledge of SpartanNash’s business make him the logical choice to serve as Chairman. As we make this planned transition, I have full confidence that the Board, along with CEO Tony Sarsam and our entire management team, are well-equipped to make the most of SpartanNash’s considerable opportunities.”
Eidson began his career with Spartan Stores in 2003 as Chief Merchandising Officer. He later became Chief Executive Officer in 2008, a role he held until 2017, by which time Spartan Stores and Nash Finch Company had merged to become SpartanNash.
Eidson became a member of the Board of Directors in 2007 and was appointed Chairman of the Board in 2016. During his time as Chairman, he also briefly served as Interim Chief Executive Officer from 2019 to 2020.
Congratulations to both Dennis Eidson and Douglas Hacker on their new endeavors!
