Wild Oats Hires New CEO

Wild Oats Hires New CEO

BOULDER, Colo.--Wild Oats Markets' founder Mike Gilliland is stepping back from operations of the Boulder, Colo.-based retail chain, as he will be replaced as president and chief executive officer (CEO) by Perry Odak later this month. The company announced yesterday that Odak, former president and CEO of Ben & Jerry's, would step into Gilliland's shoes March 19. "I look forward to joining Wild Oats," Odak said. "I believe that this company is an exciting growth vehicle."

Gilliland will remain on the board of directors and will serve as a special assistant to Odak. "I am delighted that we have been able to attract Perry to Wild Oats," Gilliland said. "He is well schooled in consumer products companies and the natural foods business." John Shields, chairman of the board, also welcomed Odak to the company, saying, "Perry brings a wealth of operational, financial and marketing experience to our company and is a professional, disciplined executive who will lead the company into its next phase of development and growth."

For more information, visit www.wildoats.com or contact Mary Beth Lewis at (303) 440-5220.