The Vitamin Shoppe names new CEO

The Vitamin Shoppe is making some changes to its leadership team.

In a May 25 announcement, the Secaucus-based nutritional retailer announced that its interim chief executive officer, Lee Wright, will take on the role permanently.

The appointment of Wright – who was named to the post following former CEO Sharon Leite’s departure in January – is effective immediately, according to The Vitamin Shoppe.

Wright, whose background includes serving as chief commercial officer of The Vitamin Shoppe’s parent company, The Franchise Group, said, “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.

“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,” said Wright, whose resume also includes various executive positions at furniture store chain Conn’s Inc.

In addition, Muriel Gonzalez was promoted to president, the company said. She has held the position of executive vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer since August 2020, overseeing all merchandising, marketing, branding, content and creative, product development and private brand initiatives.

Gonzalez’s professional experience includes senior roles at Macy’s, Estée Lauder North America, Ann Taylor, Bergdorf Goodman and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Founded in 1977, The Vitamin Shoppe, a subsidiary of Franchise Group Inc. – the parent of Sylvan Learning, Pet Supplies Plus and American Freight – is an omnichannel specialty retailer and wellness lifestyle company with more than 700 stores nationwide.

Earlier this month, the Ohio-headquartered, publicly traded holding company announced it agreed to be bought by a management group led by its CEO, Brian Kahn.

Under the terms of the $2.6 billion deal, Franchise Group will go private after the acquisition’s expected close later this year.