The Vitamin Shoppe announces new CEO and President
Wright was previously interim CEO since January 2023. Prior to that, he served as the Chief Commercial Officer of Franchise Group, Inc., The Vitamin Shoppe’s parent company, for one year.
“I’m thrilled to join the talented team of Health Enthusiasts at The Vitamin Shoppe, supporting millions of customers every year on their journeys of lifelong wellness,” said Wright. “I look forward to building on our growth strategy, including expanding through franchising, further developing our robust portfolio of private brands, and deepening relationships with our most productive partners.
“Across our organization, I am committed to driving operational enhancements and marketing innovations to serve our communities with the highest quality products, and industry-leading expertise and service,” he added.
Wright stepped into the CEO chair after the departure of Sharon Leite, who served as CEO for about 4.5 years. During Leite’s tenure, the retailer launched a technology-driven retail format, opened distribution to new sales channels, increased development and penetration of private brands, introduced personalization initiatives, pioneered an expansive CBD hemp extract merchandising program, and expanded the business into Asia.
The Vitamin Shoppe also launched an innovative, omnichannel franchising model, with the first-ever franchise location opening at the start of 2022.
New president
The retailer also announced that Muriel Gonzalez has been promoted to President from Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer, a position she held from August 2020. In that role she oversaw all merchandising, marketing, branding, content and creative, product development, and private brands initiatives.
Prior to The Vitamin Shoppe, Gonzalez held senior roles at Macy’s, Estée Lauder North America, Ann Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Gonzalez was featured in NutraIngredients-USA NutraWomen Wednesday series last year, telling Danielle Masterson: “I was very intrigued that they [The Vitamin Shoppe] were going through a transformation. They no longer wanted to be just a purveyor of some pills and powders, but to really be a health and wellness platform that would really help people on their wellness journey.
“I felt that as a merchant and as a marketer that it was just an incredible opportunity to be part of a great transformation story and a great growth story.”
