International foodservice distributor Sysco has named a new international executive, and natural foods distributor United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) unveiled a new leadership and organizational structure.
UNFI said in a press release that the new structure would “sharpen the company’s focus on key operational priorities designed to better support its customers, suppliers, associates, and the planet.”
Sysco hired Paulo Peereboom as its new executive vice president and president of foodservice operations – international, effective 8 August.
With more than 30 years of experience, Peeraboom has held leadership roles in seven countries. Prior to Sysco, he was CEO of Makro NL, the Netherlands arm of cash and carry operator, Metro AG. He has also held executive leadership roles at South African retailer, Pick N Pay; and the Dutch retail group Ahold Dehaize.
Peereboom will lead Sysco’s international operations in Canada, Europe, The Bahamas, and Latin America, as well as the company’s export business, International Food Group. He will oversee the development and execution of key strategies for growth in “these important geographies” and will be based in London, Sysco said in a press release.
“Paulo has exceptional experience at driving transformation and building high-performing, customer-focused teams across multiple geographies,” Sysco President and CEO Kevin Hourican said. “His background in general management, coupled with an extensive track record in commercial and marketing, logistics, supply chain and operations roles, make him the ideal candidate to lead the next phase of growth in our international businesses.”
Meanwhile, UNFI’s new leadership and organizational structure builds on its three-year Fuel the Future strategy, launched in June 2021, the company said in a press release.
Going forward, UNFI’s leadership team will be dedicated to four growth platforms: Services, Wholesale, Retail, and Corporate and Business Transformation, the company said.
UNFI President Chris Testa will focus on leading UNFI’s Services platform and will be responsible for working with UNFI CEO Sandy Douglas and the senior leadership team to “introduce and lead enterprise-wide growth initiatives accelerating the Fuel the Future strategy,” the company said.
“Over the past six months we’ve sped decision-making and flattened our organization, brought in outside leaders to fill new roles, and elevated and focused existing UNFI leaders to create a diverse team that is aligned and motivated to deliver on our Fuel the Future strategy,” Douglas said. “As a key part of the leadership plan, Chris will now be able to give his full attention to our most critical growth areas: our services and brands portfolios. I’m confident our customers and suppliers will benefit with greater value and offerings to their businesses.”
UNFI has positive momentum and a USD 140 billion (EUR 140 billion) addressable market, “with significant opportunities for selling more to existing and new customers,” Douglas added.
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