Chris Sherrell, president and CEO of Downers Grove, Ill.-based Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, has announced he is leaving the company.
“I am extremely proud of the company I was able to build as well as our mission of bringing fresh and healthy food at an amazing value to dozens of communities,” Sherrell said in a news release. “As happens with many entrepreneurs, as Fresh Thyme has matured, I am ready for my next challenge.”
Sherrell led the company since its start in 2012, and the chain now has 77 stores in 11 states, according to the release.
Gerald Melville, regional vice president for Meijer, will succeed Sherrell as president. Melville is a 39-year retail veteran whose earlier roles included leadership positions with Albertsons and Supervalu. He has overseen areas from store operations to customer service to food safety.
“I’m very pleased about this exciting opportunity,” Melville said in the release. “Fresh Thyme is a dynamic brand with an ideal offering for today’s health-conscious customer. I’m looking forward to joining the team and working together to continue the company’s growth and success.”
Local media outlets including the Omaha World-Herald reported earlier this month that Fresh Thyme had announced three store closures after two other closures earlier in the year.
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