C&S Wholesale Grocers announced that Eric Winn, currently the company’s COO, will assume the role of chief executive when current CEO Bob Palmer retires later this year.
“The foundation of C&S’s success has always been our people. Today’s announcement demonstrates that this legacy remains strong. Bob was appointed CEO during extraordinary times — the pandemic and the resulting impact on our industry. Bob was critical in effectively leading C&S through these challenges and driving long-term growth.” said Rick Cohen, chairman, C&S Wholesale Grocers. “Bob has been a well-respected leader and customer partner. I am excited to have his continued dedication, leadership and guidance as a member of our board of directors.”
Since his appointment as CEO in October 2020, Palmer has been responsible for all aspects of the company strategy, growth plan, customer satisfaction and day-to-day operations. He has more than 30 years of industry experience, including serving as C&S’s chief procurement officer and head buyer. After officially stepping down from his CEO duties, he will continue to provide expertise as a member of the C&S board of directors.
This marks the second time Palmer has retired as CEO of C&S. He originally stepped down from the Keene, NH-based wholesaler in September 2019 after a 33-year career with the privately-held distributor and Mike Duffy was named to replace him. But, by October 2020, Palmer was back at the helm. Duffy’s strength had been viewed to be in the strategic supply chain arena, not as an operator or merchant. But Palmer, known for his procurement and strong customer relations skills, returned to replace Duffy less than two years later.
In his current position as COO, Winn is responsible for all operations, transportation, customer development and expansion. Since joining C&S in 2004, he has held several leadership positions across the company. Prior to this, he served as president, commercial, leading the commercial organization in support of independent and chain customers, as well as driving C&S’s further expansion in the retail market.
“Eric has been visionary in transforming our operations to drive long-term sustainable growth. He has been deeply invested in ensuring that C&S will continue to be a market leader, while developing a pipeline of strong talent in every aspect of our operations,” commented Cohen. “I look forward to Eric continuing C&S’s strong legacy of braggingly happy customers.”
Winn will assume the role of CEO upon Palmer’s retirement on October 2. In the coming months, the two men will be working together on a smooth transition, C&S said.