Big Y announced Thursday a leadership change within its Fresh & Local Distribution Center team, naming Eric A. Swensen vice president of distribution and logistics, according to a May 16 press release.
Swensen is replacing Stephen M. Creed, who will retire at the end of this month after five years with Big Y, according to the announcement.
During his time at the grocery chain, Swensen helped establish a new warehouse management system, improved communications and also instituted strategic partnerships to ensure efficient transport of fresh foods.
Swensen’s nearly 40 years of experience “will continue to bolster this entire division to ensure our mission of innovation and future growth of Big Y’s self-distribution while maintaining a strong focus on fresh and local products,” Big Y Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President Richard D. Bossie said in a statement.
Swensen joined Big Y in 1985 as a service clerk and in 2006 joined the operations team as a direct sales and merchandising assistant. Swensen has held numerous positions in Big Y’s sales department and in 2014 was named vice president of center store. He was most recently vice president of fresh foods, per the announcement. Swensen also holds a HIPAA certification in food safety.
Prior to joining Big Y, Creed’s 45 years of distribution and food retail experience included leadership positions at Associated Grocers of New England, Supervalu, C&S Wholesale Grocers and Stop & Shop, per his LinkedIn profile.
Big Y has made multiple executive changes since the start of this year, including naming Michael D’Amour as president and CEO, Bossie as COO and Nicole D’Amour Schneider as senior vice president of retail operations and customer service.
