There’s a new Chief in town. It was announced that Richard Hallé has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer to Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage. The change will be effective January 1, 2025. Hallé has served as a member of Natural Grocers' Board of Directors and audit committee since 2012 and will succeed Todd Dissinger, who will retire on December 31, 2024.
“I am grateful to Kemper and our board for this opportunity,” said Hallé. “It has been a privilege to serve on Natural Grocers' board, and I am excited to contribute in this new role as we work together to provide the communities we serve access to affordable, high-quality natural and organic products while creating value for our stockholders.”
Hallé previously served as the Managing Director of Alvarez and Marsal Private Equity Performance Improvement Group from March 2023 to October 2024. From 2011 until 2021, Hallé served as the Chief Financial Officer of Vivial, overseeing finance, including accounting, treasury, tax, planning, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting. According to a press release, he previously served as the Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of DTN Holding Company from 2003 to 2008 and as a Managing Director of FTI Consulting from 2002 to 2003.
In his new role, Hallé will oversee Natural Grocers' finance, accounting, treasury, financial planning and analysis, investor relations, project management office, internal audit, accounts payable, tax, and payroll and benefits. He has commenced his interim employment with the company since November 4, in advance of his appointment to facilitate an orderly transition in the CFO role. Hallé has resigned from Natural Grocers' Board of Directors, audit committee, and compensation committee.
“I am thrilled to welcome Rich to the Natural Grocers executive team as Chief Financial Officer. Rich's deep, strategic knowledge of our company from his many years of service on the board and strong background as a seasoned finance executive make him the ideal fit as we continue to execute our founding principles,” said Kemper Isely, Chairman and Co-President. “He has a strong track record of value creation and brings significant experience in corporate finance, accounting, business operations, and financial reporting to our company. We are grateful for Todd's significant contributions to Natural Grocers during his tenure and appreciate his continued service through the end of 2024 to ensure a successful transition. We wish him the best in retirement.”
DMN sends a big congratulations to the new Chief!