US food distributor United Natural Foods has announced that Steven Townsend has announced his retirement and has resigned as president and chief executive officer, effective immediately, in order to devote more time to his other investments and business interests.
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The company also announced that Michael Funk, a United Natural Foods director, will assume the additional responsibilities of president and chief executive officer.
Townsend will remain chair of the board of directors until the company’s annual meeting, which is scheduled for 8 December 2005, and, to ensure a smooth transition, will continue as a consultant to the company.
Funk has been affiliated with United Natural Foods and its predecessors since 1976 and has been a member of the board of directors since February 1996. He served as the company’s chief executive officer from December 1999 until December 2002 and as its president from October 1996 until December 1999. Funk founded Mountain People’s Warehouse in 1976 and co-founded United Natural Foods in 1996.

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By GlobalData