FreshDirect’s fresh approach

FreshDirect has a new leader to guide the online grocer during a time of explosive growth both for the company and the industry.

The company announced the that after 20 years of service, founder and Chief Executive Officer Jason Ackerman has stepped down from his role. Co-founder David McInerney is assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer and will be joining the company’s board of directors.

McInerney said, “Jason and I have worked together since the beginning and we are very proud of what we have accomplished over the years. This is a very exciting time for the company as we settle into our new home. I look forward to working with the entire FreshDirect team as we usher the company into this next chapter of growth.”

The company recently opened its new 400,000-square-foot campus in Bronx, New York. The energy efficient and environmentally friendly campus is equipped with robotic pick towers, smart routing technologies and nine miles of conveyor belts. The new facility “enables FreshDirect to transition from cardboard delivery boxes to recyclable bags. There will also be less food waste through a combined approach of innovation and community outreach,” according to a release from the company. The campus is temperature controlled for specific grocery departments such as meat, deli and bakery, along with a specific freezer room for premium ice cream.”

The announcement also comes two years after the company expanded its portfolio with the launch of FoodKick, an on-demand business for city residents that offers a curated selection of food, alcohol, and essentials.

McInerney has served in several leadership roles at FreshDirect, most recently as Chief Merchandising Officer overseeing food sourcing, buying, and merchandising as well as traveling around the globe to develop relationships with FreshDirect’s producer partners.