Baldor Specialty Foods announced Tuesday it has named David McInerney as its president.
McInerney, who co-founded and formerly served as CEO of e-grocer FreshDirect, brings more than three decades of experience to his role at the premium fresh produce and specialty foods distributor, Baldor said.
He joins at a time when Baldor is working to grow its brand and expand the number of its products and geographies served. TJ Murphy, Baldor’s owner, will continue as its CEO, per the announcement.
Baldor noted that McInerney’s expertise in food sourcing and supply chain management will be “instrumental” in helping the company improve its distribution capabilities and expand its product offerings.
Baldor has already gotten started on its growth plans. The company reportedly opened a new facility outside Washington, D.C., last year to expand its restaurant and food service capabilities.
When Baldor announced that its longtime president, Michael Muzyk, would retire at the end of 2023, Murphy noted that a new president would not be appointed: “I couldn’t expect anyone to fill Michael’s shoes.”
The company has now changed course.
“Dave and I have known each other for years, and I couldn’t be happier for him to join Baldor,” Murphy said in a statement on Tuesday. “We both love great food, and we have a shared view of what quality means in sourcing and service. Our strengths complement each other—while I love long-term innovation, his passion and expertise is bridging the present with the next several years and ensuring executional excellence.”
After co-founding FreshDirect, McInerney served as the company’s chief food adventurer, a role in which he traveled around the world to source ingredients and meet with producers. As CEO, he led FreshDirect to record revenue growth, Baldor said.
McInerney stepped down from the top post at FreshDirect a few months after Ahold Delhaize acquired the online grocer. Getir agreed to buy FreshDirect from Ahold Delhaize at the end of 2023.
