Health stores, United Natural Foods, has brought in three new faces to maximise on the growth opportunities in the rapidly growing natural products market.
Rick Antonelli takes on the position of president of the western region from Kevin Michel, who will remain to work on special projects and strategic initiatives for the company.
Antonelli worked as director of sales of the eastern region since its inception in 1996 through to 2001. From 1985 through 1996, Antonelli served as director of Sales for Cornucopia Natural Foods, the company's predecessor. Today he comes to the company from Fairfield Farm Kitchens, a Massachusetts-based custom-food manufacturer, where he held the position of president from 2001 to 2002.
Michael Beaudry takes on the position of vice president of operations, previously serving as vice president of operations, eastern region, from December 2002 to August 2003.
Di Ann Sanchez has been appointed to the newly created position of vice president of human resources coming to the natural products company from Resources Connections. Her CV includes American Airlines, Kraft General Foods, Coca-Cola Enterprises and PepsiCo.
Steven Townsend, CEO of United Natural Foods, commented:"We continue to build a team of talented people to enable us to take advantage of growth opportunities in the rapidly growing natural products market."