United Natural Foods has announced that Steven H. Townsend has been appointed to the position of president and chief executive officer effective 1 January 2003.

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Michael S. Funk, currently United Natural Foods’ chief executive officer and vice chair of the board, has been elected chair of the board of directors. Thomas B. Simone, who has been a member of the company’s board of directors since October 1996 and has served as chair of the board of directors since December 1999, is stepping down from the chair position and will be vice chair of the board.


Assuming responsibility for United Natural Foods’ day-to-day operations, Townsend will be responsible for company-wide business strategies including corporate planning, the integration of acquired companies, major customer and key supplier initiatives and other national programs. In his new role, Funk will concentrate his efforts on the overall strategic direction of the business as well as relations with the investment community and key customer and supplier groups. Simone, as an independent director, will focus on corporate governance practices.


Townsend has enjoyed a successful career of more than 20 years with United Natural Foods. In April 2001, Townsend was appointed president of United Natural Foods. From January 2000 to October 2002, he served as president of the company’s eastern region. From June 1995 to December 1997, Townsend served as chief financial officer. Prior to that, from 1981 to 1995, he served in a variety of operational, financial and administrative positions for Cornucopia Natural Foods, the company’s predecessor. He has served as a member of the company’s board of directors since December 2000 and was previously on the board until 1998.

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