Michael S. Funk has been a member of the Board since February 1996 and served as Chair of the Board from January 2003 to December 2003 and again from September 2008 to December 2016. Mr. Funk served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from October 2005 to September 2008. Mr. Funk also served as Vice Chair of the Board from February 1996 until December 2002, as our Chief Executive Officer from December 1999 until December 2002 and as our President from October 1996 until December 1999. Until January 1, 2019, Mr. Funk served as an executive advisor to the Company. From its inception in July 1976 until April 2001, Mr. Funk served as President of Mountain People’s Warehouse, Inc., now known as United Natural Foods West, Inc., one of the Company’s wholly owned subsidiaries. Mr. Funk has served on the board of Amy’s Kitchen since April 2023.
Mr. Funk’s extensive knowledge of our industry through his past service as our Chief Executive Officer brings to the Board valuable insight and a strong understanding of the natural and organic products distribution business. His deep institutional knowledge of our business and industry is valuable to the Board.