Okamoto, Doiron join Fresh Thyme management team

Experienced execs to help transition from “start-up” phase

Jon Springer | Jun 27, 2017

Fresh Thyme Farmers Market on Tuesday said that two experienced grocery industry leaders, Carol Okamoto and Mark Doiron, have joined its executive team.

Okamoto, who has been named CFO, previously served in the same role for Roundy’s Supermarkets following its acquisition by Kroger Co. Doiron, who will be chief merchandising officer for Fresh Thyme, previously was chief merchant and supply chain officer at Schnuck Markets and before that was an executive with Delhaize America and Hannaford Supermarkets.

“We are excited to have Carol and Mark join the Fresh Thyme family,” Chris Sherrell, CEO of Fresh Thyme, said in a statement. “They both bring with them extensive experience that will help align our processes to become more efficient, and support our continued growth and success.”

Sherrell said earlier this year the company, which operates farmers’ market-style stores in the Midwest, was searching for experienced executives to help the fast-growing chain emerge from the “start-up” phase. Fresh Thyme, which opened its first store in 2014, said it would operate 70 stores by the end of 2017. Sales are in excess of $500,000 annually, Sherrell said.

Okamato brings more than 14 years of experience to her new role, in which she will oversee accounting, financial planning and analysis, pricing and information technology. Prior to joining the company, she served as controller for Roundy’s Supermarket, which was acquired by Kroger late in 2015. She also has experience with True Value and Crate & Barrel.

Doiron brings more than 30 years of experience in the food and grocery industries to his position as chief merchandising officer, where he will be responsible for procurement, merchandising and supply chain. He will also oversee the brand’s non-perishables, distribution and marketing departments. Most recently, Doiron served as chief merchant and supply chain officer at Schnuck Markets. He has also served as president of a frozen food distribution company and chief supply officer for all of Delhaize’s operations in the United States. Doiron started his career with Hannaford, where he worked for 12 years, eventually serving as EVP of supply chain and merchandising.

Fresh Thyme was launched by former members of the Sunflower Markets management team following that chain’s sale to Sprouts Farmers Market. Meijer Inc. is a silent investor in Fresh Thyme.