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Whole Foods Market Appoints Three New Global Vice Presidents

Whole Foods Market Appoints Three New Global Vice Presidents


AUSTIN, TX
Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

Whole Foods Market has announced the addition of three new vice presidents to its team, as the company looks to expand its retail, consumer goods, and brand identity on a global level.

Bringing deep industry experience to the company are Sonya Gafsi Oblisk as Global Vice President of Marketing, Martin Tracey as its Global Vice President of Team Member Services, and Brooke Buchanan to serve as Global Vice President of Communications. 

Walter Robb, Co-CEO, Whole Foods

“We are thrilled to welcome Sonya, Martin, and Brooke to our senior leadership team,” said Walter Robb, Co-CEO of Whole Foods Market, in a recent press release. “They are accomplished leaders who bring deep retail and consumer experience, valuable perspective on both internal and external communications strategy and will play an integral role in supporting the company’s culture of innovation and team member empowerment as we continue to grow and evolve.” 

Brooke Buchanan, Global Vice President of Communications, Whole Food

Brooke Buchanan is joining the Whole Foods team as Global Vice President of Communications with several executive positions under her professional belt. Buchanan will use this prior knowledge to lead the following endeavors for Whole Foods Market: 

  • Public relations
  • Internal communications
  • Government affairs efforts

Buchanan has held several leadership and senior positions at Walmart, as well as serving as Vice President of Communications for Theranos, and Vice President of Public Relations at Williams-Sonoma. Prior to her entry into the buy-side industry, Buchanan spent over eight years in political and government communications. 

Sonya Gafsi Oblisk, Global Vice President of Marketing, Whole Foods

Sonya Gafsi Oblisk comes to Whole Foods with over 15 years of experience. In her new role as Global Vice President of Marketing, Oblisk will focus on leading marketing, advertising, and brand development through the following efforts:

  • Digital
  • Brand marketing
  • Consumer relationship strategies

Most recently, Oblisk served as Vice President of Marketing for Sam’s Club, with eight years spent at Walmart. Her experience spans consumer products and affinity marketing in the retail industry. 

Martin Tracey, Global Vice President of Team Member Services, Whole Foods

Martin Tracey, Whole Foods’ new Global Vice President of Team Member Services (HR), will work to cultivate strategic responsibilities for the entire company team member experience. This includes a focus on the following, for the more than 87,000 members on the Whole Foods team:

  • Recruitment
  • Compensation and benefits
  • Talent analytics
  • Learning and development operations
  • Payroll operations

Tracey most recently worked for Starbucks as Chief Talent Officer and Vice President of People Development, where he was responsible for leadership development, talent analytics, and organizational development. 

As retailers continue to shift and appoint new executives to strategically bolster their operations, Deli Market News will have the latest in leadership announcements and their subsequent impact.

Whole Foods Market


Tear N' Share Try a cheese of a different color. Veroni - All our products are made only from 'humanely raised' meatCooked Bratwurst Now Carrying Martha Stewart's Seal of Approval.

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