Greensboro, N.C. — The board of directors of The Fresh Market, Inc. has appointed Sean Crane, executive vice president and chief operating officer, to the position of interim chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Craig Carlock, president and chief executive officer, and a member of the board, has left the company and has resigned as a member of the board. The board has retained a national executive search firm to assist in identifying and evaluating candidates for the position of president and CEO.
“Under Craig’s leadership, the company successfully transitioned from a private to a public company and experienced 5 consecutive years of increased sales and earnings,” says Ray Berry, founder and chairman of the board. “The company is well positioned, both culturally and financially, for future success, and has a significant opportunity, through its unique and differentiated grocery shopping experience, to gain share in existing markets and expand into new markets. I further believe meaningful opportunities exist to improve profit margins through both structural and operational initiatives.”
Interim CEO Sean Crane is a seasoned executive with 14 years of senior management experience with The Fresh Market, most recently serving as executive vice president and COO (2012-present), senior vice president, store operations (2006-2012), and senior vice president, real estate and development (2005-2006). Additionally, Crane served as interim CFO from December 2012 to June 2013.
“Sean is a strong executive and a proven leader, with significant experience and knowledge of the company and its operations,” says Berry.
Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market, Inc. is a specialty grocery retailer focused on providing high-quality products in a unique and inviting atmosphere with a high level of customer service. As of January 12, 2015, the company operates 168 stores in 27 states across the United States. For more information, visit www.thefreshmarket.com.
SOURCE: The Fresh Market