Food solutions company SpartanNash has recently made significant changes to its finance leadership team, promoting Paul Weis from the director of financial planning and analysis to Vice President of Distribution Finance. This strategic move aims to enhance the company’s financial oversight as it looks to optimize its global supply chain and expand its wholesale operations.
Paul Weis will report directly to Jason Monaco, the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SpartanNash. His new role will encompass overseeing finance operations for the company’s extensive global supply chain, which supports SpartanNash’s wholesale business that constitutes approximately 70% of its net sales. Backing this vast operation are 19 distribution centers that serve over 2,300 retail locations, including 147 SpartanNash-operated stores.
Weis joined SpartanNash in June 2017 as a manager of financial planning and analysis. He demonstrated his capabilities and vision by rising to the rank of director in 2022. Before his tenure at SpartanNash, Weis spent nearly a decade specializing in business valuations at the esteemed certified public accounting and business advisory firm Plante Moran. He is academically grounded in finance and economics, holding a degree from Grand Valley State University in Michigan.
In a statement regarding Weis’ promotion, CFO Jason Monaco emphasized the importance of SpartanNash’s distribution network, describing it as the backbone of the company. Monaco stated, “Paul’s experience and leadership will ensure our supply chain continues to deliver on our long-term goals and key performance indicators.” He also highlighted Weis’ integral role in the successful acquisition of various businesses during his time with the company.
Weis’ elevation to VP of Distribution Finance follows a series of other executive changes within the finance department at SpartanNash. Dustin Manning, Weis’ predecessor, has transitioned to the role of VP of Inventory Management within the supply chain division. Moreover, Justin Vire, the previous VP of Financial Planning & Analysis, has now taken on a new role as VP of Cost Leadership. Additionally, the Financial Planning & Analysis team will now be led by Senior Director Kim Craven, who will report to Todd Riksen, the VP, Corporate Controller, and Principal Accounting Officer.
With a workforce of 17,000 associates, SpartanNash operates two core business segments: food wholesale and grocery retail. The company’s global supply chain caters to a diverse client base, including independent and chain grocers, national retail brands, e-commerce platforms, as well as U.S. military commissaries and exchanges. On the retail front, SpartanNash’s portfolio comprises 147 brick-and-mortar grocery stores operating under various banners such as Family Fare, Martin’s Super Markets, and D&W Fresh Market, alongside numerous pharmacies and fuel centers.
The significance of SpartanNash’s wholesale business cannot be overstated, particularly in the context of the highly competitive grocery landscape. The company’s position as No. 45 on The PG 100, Progressive Grocer’s 2024 list of the top food and consumables retailers in North America, underscores its strong market presence. Furthermore, SpartanNash has earned recognition as one of PG’s 10 Most Sustainable Grocers for 2024, highlighting its commitment to responsible and ethical business practices.
In conclusion, the changes within SpartanNash’s finance team exemplify a proactive approach to strengthening its financial management as the company navigates the complexities of an ever-changing retail landscape. With Paul Weis at the helm of distribution finance, SpartanNash is well-positioned to enhance profitability for its wholesale customers and extend its geographic reach, thereby solidifying its status as a key player in the food solutions sector.
