PHOENIX — Sprouts Farmers Market has named President and Chief Operating Officer Nick Konat to succeed Jack Sinclair as chief executive officer, marking a planned leadership transition at one of the nation’s fastest-growing specialty food retailers.
Konat will become CEO and join Sprouts’ board of directors effective Jan. 4, 2027, the first day of the company’s 2027 fiscal year. Sinclair, who has led Sprouts since 2019, will remain with the company as executive chairman.
The transition follows a succession-planning process that Sprouts said included a comprehensive search by its board. Konat, who joined the retailer in 2022, has played a significant role in executing its strategy and currently oversees operations, marketing, merchandising, supply chain and innovation.
“The Board and I have spent significant time and consideration developing our succession plan, and we believe that now is the right time to transition Sprouts to its next generation of leadership,” Sinclair said. “I’ve worked closely with Nick since he joined Sprouts in 2022 and seen firsthand his talent, drive and strong dedication to our people.”
Sinclair added that Konat “played a central role in shaping and executing our strategy,” and said he would support the incoming CEO during the transition and continue to serve the company as executive chairman.
The leadership change comes as Sprouts continues to expand its store base and capitalize on consumer interest in fresh, natural and organic foods. The Phoenix-based retailer now operates more than 480 stores across 25 states and employs approximately 36,000 people.
Konat said the company will remain focused on its existing growth strategy as it moves into its next phase.
“We remain focused on executing our growth strategy, expanding into new markets and strengthening our connection with customers as we navigate an evolving consumer environment,” Konat said. “Looking ahead, I am confident in the opportunities before us and in our ability to build on our momentum and create long-term value for our shareholders.”
Konat joined Sprouts in March 2022 as president and COO. Before joining the grocer, he spent more than six years with Petco Health and Wellness Co., ultimately serving as chief merchandising officer.
Earlier, Konat spent more than nine years at Target Corp., holding a variety of merchandising, planning and leadership positions across food and fashion. He began his career with professional services firm Accenture, where he worked for six years.
Sprouts Chairman Joe Fortunato said Konat’s combination of industry experience and familiarity with the retailer’s culture and market positioning made him well suited to take over the top job.
“The Board believes that Nick’s experience, along with his deep knowledge of our business and Sprouts’ unique culture and market position, make him the ideal leader for the next phase of the company’s journey,” Fortunato said.
The elevation of Konat also provides continuity following a period of transformation under Sinclair. Since taking the helm in 2019, Sinclair has overseen the development and execution of a strategy centered on Sprouts’ differentiated positioning in fresh, natural and organic foods and the expansion of its store network.
Fortunato credited Sinclair with guiding Sprouts “through a significant phase of transformation and value creation” and said his continued involvement as executive chairman will allow him to serve as a partner to Konat.
As part of the governance changes accompanying the transition, Fortunato will become lead independent director on Jan. 4.
Konat said Sprouts’ purpose of helping people “live and eat better” and the company’s employees have inspired him since he joined the retailer.
“It will be an honor to serve as the next CEO of Sprouts at this exciting and important time for our company,” he said.
