Sprouts Farmers Market Welcomes New Execs
Two new execs have joined the ranks of fast-growing Sprouts Farmers Market.
Shawn Gensch has come aboard the Phoenix-based retailer as its new chief marketing officer and Dan Sanders has signed on as Sprouts' EVP of store operations.
“Shawn and Dan share deep retail leadership experience, and with their marketing and operations expertise, Sprouts will continue to grow as a healthy grocery store offering fresh, natural and organic foods at great prices,” said Doug Sanders, Sprouts president and CEO.
In his new role, Gensch – who brings 25 years of experience in marketing and finance with executive roles in both the retail and financial services industries – will serve as a member of Sprouts executive leadership team and will report directly to Sanders. Most recently, he served as co-founder and CEO of a start-up consumer loyalty company, and prior to that, served as Target’s SVP of marketing, responsible for brand marketing, media, loyalty and public relations. Gensch, who is a board member of GWG Holdings Inc., Anser Innovation LLC and Avenues for Homeless Youth, also served as president of Target Bank, where he led the company’s financial product development.
“Never before have consumers had so many options when it comes to making decisions about where to shop for groceries and health products,” said Gensch. “Sprouts is uniquely positioned to meet the needs of our guests on that journey, by delivering value and variety for healthy living," which he described as a "mission [that] is paramount to the Sprouts brand.”
Reporting to Jim Nielsen, COO, Sanders accumulated 25 years of experience in supermarket operations, including three years as division president for Supervalu's former Albertsons and Acme Markets divisions. He also spent 10 years with United Supermarkets of Texas, serving in many roles, including CEO.
'Sustaining a Unique Approach'
A military veteran and a bestselling author of two business books, Sanders has served on the boards of the Food Marketing Institute and the Western Association of Food Chains.
“I look forward to helping Sprouts sustain its unique approach to inspiring healthy living for all through this period of growth,” said Sanders. “Sprouts puts customers first by providing the best value, service and experience every day and I am honored to join the organization.”
Sprouts employs more than 19,000 associates and operates more than 200 stores in 13 states.