URM Stores Names New CEO, Roger F. White, to Succeed Ray Sprinkle

URM Stores has appointed Roger F. White as its new CEO and President, succeeding Ray Sprinkle. White has over 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, having worked at Albertsons and Associated Food Stores. He will oversee the company's wholly owned subsidiaries, Rosauers Supermarkets and Peirone Produce. White's appointment is effective June 1.

URM Stores, Inc., a prominent player in the grocery retail sector, has appointed Roger F. White as its new CEO and President. White, a seasoned industry leader with over three decades of experience, will succeed Ray Sprinkle, who is retiring this summer. White's appointment is effective June 1, 2025.

White began his career at Boise-based Albertsons and later joined Associated Food Stores, where he held various leadership roles in advertising, marketing, merchandising, and procurement. He will oversee URM Stores' wholly owned subsidiaries, Rosauers Supermarkets and Peirone Produce, and guide the company into the future [1].

Sprinkle, who has been with the company since 2003 and served as CEO and President since 2013, praised White's leadership capabilities. "After the years I have had guiding this incredible organization, I couldn’t be more confident in passing the torch to Roger," Sprinkle said. "His decades of industry experience, proven leadership, and strategic mindset make him the ideal leader to take URM into the future. The company will be in excellent hands."

URM Stores, Inc., based in Spokane, Wash., has 132 member-owners, encompassing 259 grocery stores, over 750 restaurants, convenience stores, and other retail outlets. The company's extensive network and diverse portfolio position it to adapt to evolving market dynamics and consumer preferences.

White's appointment comes amidst significant shifts in the grocery industry, including the failed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, which was blocked by the Federal Trade Commission due to antitrust concerns [2]. This decision has reshaped the competitive landscape, with Amazon and Walmart accelerating their grocery dominance. The Kroger-Albertsons merger's collapse has underscored the need for grocery retailers to innovate through partnerships, tech investments, and hyper-localized strategies.

As White takes the helm at URM Stores, he will face the challenge of navigating these market shifts and positioning the company for long-term success. His extensive experience and proven leadership in the industry will be crucial in steering URM Stores through these uncertain times.

References:
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/urm-stores-names-ceo-roger-174841072.html
[2] https://internationalsupermarketnews.com/archives/19507