Lipari Foods, a leading specialty food distributor, has announced the appointment of Stuart Schuette as its next CEO, effective Sept. 16.
Schuette succeeds interim CEO John Boucher, who stepped in for Thom Lipari, the company’s previous CEO for over 30 years, as part of a contemplated leadership succession plan. Schuette will join Lipari and Boucher on the company’s board of directors.
Schuette is a proven executive with a 30-year track record of driving organic and inorganic growth in distribution businesses across several industries, including food distribution. He most recently served as the president and CEO of American Tire Distributors, the largest independent supplier of tires to the replacement tire market. Prior to ATD, Schuette spent over 20 years at US Foods, one of the largest foodservice distribution platforms in the United States. During his tenure, he held key leadership positions in sales, finance and operations, ultimately serving as COO for over seven years. At US Foods, he successfully led a transformational shift to position the business for sustained growth and industry leadership. Prior to joining US Foods, Schuette was an executive at Martin Brower, a subsidiary of Reyes Holdings, the world’s largest distributor of products to McDonald’s restaurants and other foodservice customers.
“I am excited to join Lipari Foods and help lead the company in its next phase of growth,” said Schuette. “The company’s incredible legacy and strong reputation in the market, differentiated value proposition, committed team of employees, and numerous growth avenues make Lipari a very compelling opportunity.”
