Former Starbucks exec to fill new post

BOISE, Idaho — Albertsons Cos. said Monday that it has named Jonathan Gardner group vice president of strategic sourcing. In this new position, Gardner will report to Evan Rainwater, senior vice president of strategic sourcing and manufacturing.

Albertsons has also promoted David Nelsen to group vice president of manufacturing.

“Jonathan is an incredible leader who brings a significant amount of experience to our established Strategic Sourcing team, and we look forward to having someone with his expertise and acumen lead the expansion of our Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) efforts,” said Rainwater, who also cited Nelsen’s “industry leading” manufacturing experience. “This combination of leaders will position us to further our efficiencies and create opportunities to invest in our company.”

Gardner joins Albertsons Cos. after nine years at Starbucks, where he began his tenure as director of sourcing for IT and Digital. He most recently served as vice president of global sourcing and supplier relations. In that position Gardner was responsible for beverage, dairy, packaging, print production, and supply development teams in Seattle. He also was responsible for setting strategic and cultural priorities for more than sourcing professionals in a matrix organization linking sourcing offices in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Sao Paulo, Shanghai, Tokyo, Toronto, and Seattle.

Nelsen has been with Albertsons Cos.’ manufacturing team since 2001 and has held a variety of leadership roles there. Over the last several years, Nelsen has led the team in expanding manufacturing’s capabilities and product offering to retail including extended shelf life dairy and plant-based products, Icelandic and Greek yogurt, and expanded ice cream products. Nelsen was also instrumental in opening the company’s Hatfield Milk plant.

“We’re focused on making moves that improve our productivity and agility so that we can strategically invest in our omnichannel future,” Albertsons executive vice president and chief operations officer Susan Morris said of Gardner’s appointment. “GNFR can provide a productivity lift to many areas of our company. Jonathan’s new role will be key to driving that so that we can best serve our 13 operating divisions, 2,200-plus stores, and 34 million customers every day.