GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — SpartanNash chairman Dennis Eidson plans to retire from that post and step down from the board at the company’s 2021 annual meeting on May 26. Current lead independent director Douglas Hacker has been nominated to succeed him, the company said on Monday.

Eidson joined Spartan Stores in 2003 as chief merchandising officer, during a period of industry turmoil, and not long after Spartan had become a publicly-traded company. He became chief executive officer in 2008, a role he filled until 2017, by which time he had merged Spartan Stores with Nash Finch Company to form SpartanNash. He became a member of the board of directors in 2007 and was appointed chairman in 2016. He also served briefly as interim CEO from 2019 to 2020. During his tenure with the company, SpartanNash grew from $2.1 billion to $9 billion in revenue.

“It has been a privilege to be a part of SpartanNash’s growth and transformation over the years,” Eidson said. “I have been fortunate to work with a talented board and management team throughout my tenure, including Doug. His expertise, insights and deep knowledge of SpartanNash’s business make him the logical choice to serve as chairman. As we make this planned transition, I have full confidence that the board, along with CEO Tony Sarsam and our entire management team, are well-equipped to make the most of SpartanNash’s considerable opportunities.”

Hacker joined the SpartanNash Board in November 2013 and has served as lead independent director since May 2018. He previously served as a director of Nash Finch Company from 2005 until the merger. Hacker is currently an independent business executive and formerly served as executive vice president of strategy for UAL Corporation, the United Airlines holding company, from December 2002 to May 2006.

He previously served as president of UAL Loyalty Services from September 2001 to December 2002, and as executive vice president and chief financial officer of United Airlines from July 1994 to September 2001.

“It’s an honor to be nominated to succeed Dennis as chairman,” Hacker said. “Few executives have accomplished more than Dennis during his nearly 20 years of leadership at SpartanNash. On behalf of the Board and all of us at SpartanNash, I want to thank Dennis for his distinguished service as we continue his unwavering commitment to driving growth and shareholder value.”