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UNFI names Coborn’s exec to lead its retail division
David Best spent two years with the grocer and introduced a new strategy to drive growth
2 Min Read
Best, who spent the last two years at Coborn’s as president and COO, will begin his new role at UNFI on Aug. 17.UNFI
United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) has appointed the president and chief operating officer of Coborn’s Inc. to lead its retail division.
On Tuesday, UNFI named David Best as president and chief executive officer of retail. Best, who spent the last two years at Coborn’s as president and COO, will begin his new role at UNFI on Aug. 17. He will be responsible for accelerating the company’s retail business growth strategy and overseeing its two retail banners: Cub Foods and Shoppers Food Warehouse.
He succeeds Andre Persaud, who left UNFI on July 25 after serving in the role for less than two years.
During his time at Coborn’s, Best introduced a new strategy to drive growth, expand into new categories, and strengthen the team. He also spent 19 years at Target, where he held various leadership roles in merchandising, supply chain, and business development. Additionally, he served as senior vice president of omnichannel and strategic capabilities at General Mills.
Sandy Douglas, CEO of UNFI, highlighted Best’s shopper-centric approach, calling him an “ideal leader to help us write the next chapter of success for our retail business.”
“I’m excited to join UNFI and accelerate the retail business during such a pivotal time for the company,” said Best. “As a former UNFI customer and a Minnesota native, I have great respect for the differentiated value UNFI is creating within our industry and for everything the Cub brand means to the community I call home.”
In late June, workers at UNFI’s Cub Foods and Haug’s Cub Foods in the Minneapolis area ratified a three-year contract. The agreement includes wage increases, a substantial investment in pensions, and more hours for part-time employees.
The labor dispute drew attention in Washington, D.C., when U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders sent letters to the heads of both grocery chains, urging them to finalize a contract.
UNFI recently reported a strong third quarter, with net sales rising 7.5% to $8.1 billion. In mid-July, the wholesale distributor updated its fiscal year 2025 forecast, projecting net sales between $31.6 billion and $31.8 billion—slightly up from the previous range of $31.3 billion to $31.7 billion.
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