Big Y in the News
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates 84 locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including 70 supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and 13 Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with almost 12,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, as well as Employer of Choice by the Employers Association of the Northeast. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a "Y".
Big Y in the News contains excerpts from press releases that have been sent to local media.
Big Y Names New President/CEO and COO
SPRINGFIELD, MA – (January 8, 2024) The Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the following executive changes starting January 21,2024.
Charles L. D’Amour will become executive chairman of the board as the reins of president and chief executive officer move to Michael P. D’Amour, and executive vice president and chief operating officer move to Richard D. Bossie. These changes reflect the next chapter in the company’s history as they continue to chart a path for growth, collaboration and innovation in the challenging and changing retail environment.
As executive chairman, Charlie will continue to provide oversight, strategic advice and board leadership as this transition manifests. In addition, Charlie will also continue to serve as a member of the real estate and development committee.
Charles L. D’Amour, son of co-founder Gerald D’Amour was appointed to president in 2006 and CEO in 2019. He began his career at an early age working through various positions in the supermarket including store director. After completing college and law school, he rejoined the company in 1978 where he served in many capacities including sales manager, vice president of sales and marketing, and COO in addition to his responsibilities for real estate development where he has led Big Y’s strategic direction and growth.
According to Charlie, “For nearly 90 years, Big Y has been proud to honor the legacy of our founders, Paul and Gerry D’Amour, as a family company focused on our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. It’s been an honor to have been personally connected with our company and to have had the privilege of working alongside my father, uncle, cousin Donald and sister Claire. I have worked closely with Michael D’Amour, other members of our 3rd generation of family members along with the rest of our leadership team who are all well poised to lead our company and continue that legacy of service. I have the utmost trust and confidence in Michael and Rick to continue our company’s growth and success. With their appointment to these roles, I’m pleased that our Big Y Board of Directors holds them in the same highest regard and confidence.”
Michael P. D’Amour has been appointed president and CEO where he will guide the overall direction of the company and drive their strategic initiatives and growth while maintaining the company’s mission. Throughout his career, he has proven to be a thoughtful, passionate and innovative leader both at Big Y and throughout the industry. Michael currently serves on the board of FMI/The Food Industry Association and the board of Topco Associates an $18B Food Cooperative based in Itasca, IL.
Michael, grandson of co-founder Paul D’Amour and son of Donald, was appointed COO in 2019. After working in the supermarkets in various roles while in his teens, he began his full-time career in 1996. He has worked in all areas of the markets including operations and store director, as well as various corporate areas from buyer and category sales manager to vice president of sales and marketing.
“I am extremely excited and humbled for the opportunity to continue to help serve and lead our wonderful company to many more years of growth in service to the communities in which we operate. I would like to thank my father, Donald, for his guidance and Charlie, for his steadfast mentorship over the years, and our senior leadership team for their continuous support,” says Michael.
As newly appointed executive vice president and COO, Richard D. Bossie will work with CEO, Michael D’Amour in overseeing all operational areas of the company.
Bossie has over 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry beginning as a part time service clerk. He joined Big Y in 1986 and has worked in all areas of store operations including store director and later as a district director until his appointment as director of operations in 2010. In 2019, he was named senior vice president of retail operations and customer experience where in addition to his operations oversight, he also leads other retail banners such as Big Y Express gas and convenience and Table & Vine fine wines and liquors along with teams for asset protection and continuous improvement. Rick currently serves on the board of Baystate Health, the largest integrated healthcare system in Western MA.
Rick states “I am honored for this tremendous opportunity to work in partnership with Michael to drive innovation and enhance the development of our industry leading teams.”
Big Y Foods, Inc. is one of the largest independently owned supermarket chains in New England. Big Y operates locations throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut including supermarkets, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors and Big Y Express gas and convenience locations with over 10,000 employees. Big Y has been recognized by Forbes as a Best-in-State Employer in Massachusetts and Connecticut, and in 2023 for both Newsweek’s America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and for Women. They are ranked at number 72 on Progressive Grocer’s PG 100, annual list of North America’s top food retailers. Founded in 1936 by brothers Paul and Gerald D'Amour, the store was named after an intersection in Chicopee, Massachusetts where two roads converge to form a "Y".