SpartanNash Strengthens IT Leadership with Key Appointments of New CIO and CISO

SpartanNash Strengthens IT Leadership with Strategic Appointments

In a significant move to fortify its technology leadership, SpartanNash® (Nasdaq: SPTN), a renowned food solutions company, has appointed Ed Rybicki as its new Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Brett Hoffman as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). This announcement comes as part of the company's effort to align its technology strategy with business objectives, reportedly under the new Finance/IT/Strategy organization led by Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Jason Monaco.

Leadership Changes

Ed Rybicki, who has been appointed as CIO, brings with him 20 years of extensive experience in the technology sector. Prior to joining SpartanNash, Rybicki held the position of Chief Information and Technology Officer at Mastronardi Produce®, where he significantly contributed to the company's IT advancements. His previous roles include senior IT positions at well-respected firms such as Vyaire® Medical, Merieux Nutrisciences®, and Delphi®. A graduate of the University of Michigan with a bachelor's degree in organizational behavior, he complemented his academic background with a master's degree in computer information systems from the University of Detroit Mercy.

As the new CIO, Rybicki is tasked with overseeing SpartanNash’s technology team, with a focus on fostering innovation, enhancing operational efficiencies, and supporting the company's growth strategy. He expressed his excitement about the role, highlighting the critical nature of technology in simplifying tasks for employees and improving customer experiences.

In tandem, Brett Hoffman has been appointed as CISO, a role that positions him centrally in protecting the company's cybersecurity landscape across various environments including retail and supply chain operations. Hoffman joins SpartanNash from Inspire® Security Solutions, where he previously served as Vice President and CISO, leading enterprise security initiatives. His rich experience in cybersecurity leadership spans roles at MillerKnoll®, HealthEquity®, Amway®, and Corewell Health®, making him well-prepared for this pivotal role at SpartanNash. Hoffman holds a bachelor’s degree in business and professional administration from Roosevelt University.

The Strategic Context

The appointments of Rybicki and Hoffman are crucial for SpartanNash as it emphasizes a customer-centric approach in a competitive market. Jason Monaco, in a statement, mentioned, "As a customer-focused, innovative food solutions company, our technology must simplify work for our Associates, create a seamless experience for our wholesale customers, and support a rich, omnichannel journey for our shoppers." This aligns perfectly with the company's commitment to leveraging advancements in technology to enhance service delivery and operational functionalities.

Monaco also noted that the company's investments in technology are closely tied to its long-term strategic goals. With a unified Finance/IT/Strategy organization, SpartanNash aims to foster transformational change while creating a high-performance culture prioritizing people.

About SpartanNash

SpartanNash operates as a prominent food solutions provider, with a mission to deliver ingredients that improve life quality. It boasts a workforce of 20,000 and operates within two primary business domains: food wholesale and grocery retail. The company's extensive supply chain network services a wide array of wholesale customers, including independent and chain grocers, national retail brands, e-commerce platforms, and military commissaries. SpartanNash's retail segment includes nearly 200 grocery stores and various pharmacies and fuel centers across different states, operating under notable banners like Family Fare®, Martin's Super Markets, and DW® Fresh Market.

This strategic restructuring and the induction of seasoned IT leaders underline SpartanNash's proactive approach to navigating the future of food solutions and technology integration. With Rybicki and Hoffman at the helm of IT and cybersecurity, respectively, SpartanNash is poised to enhance its operational resilience and technological proficiency.

For more extensive insights about SpartanNash and its services, you can visit spartannash.com.