SpartanNash Prepares for Merger with New CIO and CISO Appointments

SpartanNash has hired Ed Rybicki as SVP and CIO, and Brett Hoffman as VP and CISO, to lead its new finance, IT, and strategy division. Rybicki previously worked at Mastronardi Produce, Vyaire Medical, Mérieux Nutrisciences, and Delphi, while Hoffman held roles at Inspire Security Solutions, MillerKnoll, HealthEquity, Amway, and Corewell Health. The appointments come as SpartanNash prepares for its $1.77 billion acquisition by C&S Wholesale Grocers later this year.

SpartanNash, a leading grocery distributor and retailer, has appointed Ed Rybicki as Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (SVP & CIO) and Brett Hoffman as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (VP & CISO) to lead its newly formed finance, IT, and strategy division. These appointments come as SpartanNash prepares for its $1.77 billion acquisition by C&S Wholesale Grocers later this year [1].

Ed Rybicki, who previously served as Chief Information and Technology Officer at Canadian food supplier Mastronardi Produce, brings extensive experience in IT leadership. He has held senior IT roles at Vyaire Medical, Mérieux Nutrisciences, and Delphi. Rybicki will direct SpartanNash’s technology group, focusing on innovation, operational efficiency, and the company’s growth strategy.

Brett Hoffman, formerly the Vice President of Enterprise Security Solutions and Chief Information Security Officer at consulting firm Inspire Security Solutions, will lead SpartanNash’s cybersecurity strategy. Hoffman has a background in enterprise security and has previously worked at MillerKnoll, HealthEquity, Amway, and Corewell Health. He will report to Rybicki and oversee cybersecurity in SpartanNash’s retail, supply chain, and corporate units.

These appointments reflect SpartanNash’s strategy of leveraging technology to enhance its ability to serve wholesale customers and consumers. The company aims to simplify work for its Associates, create a seamless experience for its wholesale customers, and support a rich, omnichannel journey for shoppers.

The appointments come at a time when cybersecurity has become a high-profile concern in the grocery industry. In June, a cyberattack forced United Natural Foods, Inc. to temporarily take down its online systems, disrupting its ability to serve customers and costing UNFI hundreds of millions of dollars in sales. Last November, a cyberattack against Ahold Delhaize caused a multiday e-commerce platform outage at the Dutch supermarket operator’s Hannaford banner and exposed personal data belonging to 2 million people [2].

SpartanNash is navigating a tumultuous period, having recently revamped its corporate structure and eliminated an unspecified number of positions. The company is also preparing for its acquisition by C&S Wholesale Grocers, which is expected to be completed later this year.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/spartannash-hires-cio-information-security-171500781.html
[2] https://www.grocerydive.com/news/spartannash-CISO-CIO-cybersecurity-technology-executives/757361/