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SpartanNash has named Jay Mahabir vice president, Retail Operations, effective immediately, where he will oversee retail operations at nearly 200 SpartanNash stores across 10 states, the company announced Monday.
Mahabir previously served as market director at Meijer and has also held leadership roles at Lowe’s and Target.
In the Meijer role, Mahabir oversaw the two largest markets in Michigan, and at Lowe’s and Target, he was recognized for improving associate retention and engagement rates, customer service, shrink reduction, and operational excellence, SpartanNash said in a press release.
"We will continue to enhance our shopping experience by focusing on freshness, value, and convenience, and Jay will play a critical role in leading this work," SpartanNash Senior Vice President and Chief Retail Officer Djouma Barry said in the press release. "Jay will also be focused on developing our talent pipeline, so retail associates can maximize the career opportunities available to them across our footprint."
The announcement comes at a time of growth for the Byron Center, Mich.-based food distributor, which made three large purchases in 2024—Metcalfe’s Market, Fresh Encounter Inc., and Markham Enterprises Inc.
In October, SpartanNash purchased Fresh Encounter and its network of 49 stores across Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, which operates under the banners Community Markets, Remke Markets, Chiefs Markets, and Needler’s Fresh Market.
SpartanNash also acquired the three-unit chain of convenience stores and fuel stations, Markham Enterprises, in October.
Those two acquisitions followed the April 2024 acquisition of Metcalfe’s Market, a Wisconsin-based three-store grocery chain.
Amy McClellan, SpartanNash EVP and chief customer officer, told Supermarket News in October that SpartanNash is focused on growth.
“We’re growing because we are leveraging insights to create solutions in retail, both in the distribution side and in stores, continuing to meet and exceed customer expectations, whether that’s on the wholesale side of our business, our independent customers and in our retail stores,” she said.