SPRINGFIELD, MA (May 16, 2024) – The Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. BB #:101444 is pleased to announce the following changes to their Fresh & Local Distribution Center team.
Stephen M. Creed, vice president of distribution and logistics will be retiring, and Eric A. Swensen will be appointed to the same role as vice president of distribution and logistics.
After over 45 years of diverse experience in the distribution industry and five years at Big Y, Creed will be retiring at the end of this month. His expansive background in all areas of logistics and distribution has helped to transform Big Y’s distribution division. His efforts include implementation of a new warehouse management system, improved communications and establishing strategic partnerships in order to ensure the most efficient and timely fresh foods reach their customers every day.
“Steve has been a driving force in building our Fresh & Local Distribution Center through supporting and developing our teams, setting new standards and processes, upgrading equipment and tools in order to supply our stores with fresh and local products in the most efficient and effective way possible. We are all grateful for his strong leadership and vision that have helped both our store teams and customers throughout our chain,” according to Richard D. Bossie, Big Y COO and executive vice president.
“We are confident that Eric’s 39 years of industry experience will continue to bolster this entire division to ensure our mission of innovation and future growth of Big Y’s self-distribution while maintaining a strong focus on fresh and local products.”
Swensen began his career with Big Y in 1985 as a part time service clerk. After working in several departments, he was promoted to full time two years later. Since then, he has held several positions including managing many different departments until his promotion to store director in 1997. In 2006, he joined the operations team as a district sales and merchandising assistant.
In 2009, Swensen moved to the sales and marketing department where he’s held several positions including manager of space management, director of frozen food and dairy. in 2014, he was named vice president of center store and in 2019, became vice president of fresh foods. He reports to Richard D. Bossie.
In addition, he holds a HIPAA certification in food safety and has attended the University of Connecticut. He has also been a volunteer at many Big Y sponsored community events.
He and his wife, Jamie, reside in Southwick, MA.
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with over 10,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and in 2023 for both Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and for Women. They are ranked at number 72 on Progressive Grocer’s PG 100, annual list of North America’s top food retailers. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D’Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a “Y”.
