Grocery distribution giant United Natural Foods Inc. named Mario Maffie as its next Chief Information Officer.
In addition to leading UNFI’s IT organization, he will oversee critical network systems integration work and help accelerate the use of data to support customers and suppliers. He joins in October, reporting to Chief Operating Officer Erin Horvath.
He succeeds CIO Jack Clare, who departed the company in November to pursue other opportunities. Chief Technology Officer Santhosh Kumar served as the interim IT leader while the company conducted an external search, a UNFI spokesperson said.
Maffie joins UNFI after more than two decades at the privately held food company Mars, where he most recently served as Corporate CIO. In that role, he oversaw technology for HR, procurement, finance, legal and other functions, as well as capabilities like master data management, supply chain, automation and global ERP.
In addition to delivering a variety of grocery products to more than 30,000 supermarkets and other retailers in North America, the nearly $30 billion UNFI also provides a range of market insights and technology services to customers. The company is undergoing an enterprise transformation program that includes network automation and optimization, core infrastructure modernization and digital offering enhancements, among other efforts.
“Our Information Technology team, the backbone of our operations, is currently engaged in network and systems integration work that is critical to the success of our business and the transformation we have undertaken,” Horvath said. “Over the past 20+ years, Mario has been at the forefront of helping Mars harness the power of data, analytics, and automation, ensuring that Mars continually evolved its technology through new platforms and modern capabilities, including AI-based programs, and digital transformation initiatives. He brings a wealth of experience in strategy development and execution and is known for nurturing the talent of tomorrow.”
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