USA — Amazon-owned grocer Whole Foods has named Jason Buechel, currently, the company’s chief operating officer, as its incoming CEO, taking over from John Mackey who is set to retire on Sept. 1, 2022.
John Mackey, who co-founded Whole Foods Market in 1980, has been at the helm of the American-based natural foods grocer for four decades.
“Honestly, it’s very hard to retire from a company that I have helped to create, nourish and grow for 44 years when I leave,” Mr. Mackey said.
“As a co-founder of Whole Foods, I’ve often explained my relationship to the company with a parent-child metaphor. As a parent, I have always loved Whole Foods with all my heart.”
He added: “I have done my best to instill strong values, a clear sense of higher purpose beyond profits, and a loving culture that allows the company and all our interdependent stakeholders to flourish.”
Mr. Buechel joined Whole Foods in 2013 as global vice president and chief information officer and was promoted in 2015 to executive vice president before being named COO in 2019.
In addition to being responsible for the operations of all Whole Foods stores and facilities, Buechel oversees technology, supply chain and distribution, and Team Member Services (TMS).
Prior to joining Whole Foods, Mr. Buechel was a managing director and partner at Irish-based multinational IT services company Accenture.
“Jason is one of my most trusted partners and I’m incredibly confident that the company will continue to evolve and thrive under his leadership,” Mr. Mackey said.
“Jason has a number of very special qualities that will help him succeed as our next CEO. Not only is he extraordinarily intelligent with unusually high integrity, he is also a servant leader who lives and embodies Whole Foods Core Values and Leadership Principles and is fundamentally just a good and loving person.”
Mr. Mackey said he will continue to work closely with Mr. Buechel and the E-Team to gradually transition his responsibilities.
He said he plans to spend his final year at Whole Foods doing the thing he loves most — visiting stores and connecting with as many team members as possible.
Whole foods just walk out store
Meanwhile Whole Foods Market has announced that it will open two stores featuring Amazon’s Just Walk Out technology as an option for customers.
Both stores to be located in Washington D.C will offer the high-quality, natural, and organic products and locally sourced options that are found in all Whole Foods Market locations.
The only difference with other stores is customers will have an option to skip the checkout line. Using Just Walk Out technology, customers can enter, shop for the items they want, and simply exit the store.
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