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.
Information Resources Technology Moves at Big Y
SPRINGFIELD, MA – (March 21, 2024)
The Board of Directors of Big Y Foods, Inc. is pleased to announce the following changes in their Information Resources Technology (IRT) team. After 26 years of service to Big Y, Michael A. Tami, vice president of IRT, retired last December. John Damjanovich has been appointed senior director of IRT and strategy. He reports to Michael P. D’Amour, president and CEO.
Throughout his tenure, Tami lead Big Y teams through rapid innovation across the company’s entire enterprise. “Mike’s leadership throughout all areas of technology has impacted every aspect of our ever-growing and dynamic business. He’s been a committed and passionate member of our team and we are all grateful for his steadfast and progressive leadership,” says Michael P. D’Amour. “We look forward to supporting John as he navigates cohesive and successful pathways within the entire IRT team.”
John Damjanovich, senior director of IRT and strategy will develop an overall framework to guide knowledge management at all levels of the company as well as all divisions including Big Y Supermarkets, Big Y Express Gas and Convenience, Table & Vine Fine Wines and Liquors. Damjanovich’s 39 year career in the supermarket industry began as a part time service clerk working in customer service, produce, deli, grocery and night crew. In 1988, he joined Big Y and in 1992 was promoted to full time in the frozen and dairy department. One year later, he was tapped for their store manager training program where he became assistant store manager in Torrington, CT. By 1996, he was assigned store manager in several Connecticut markets including Naugatuck, Rocky Hill, Monroe, Guilford, and New Milford.
In 2020, he moved on to special projects manager working with collaborative cross- functional teams across the organization from Operations, IRT, Sales, Marketing, the Project Management Office and the Fresh and Local Distribution Center. He has been at the forefront of developing strategy and implementation of their Computer Assisted Ordering initiative across the entire chain. In addition, he has developed tools for employees and Big Y’s vendor partners to elevate the customer shopping experience.
In 2023, he became manager of supply chain, vendor relations and inventory management until assuming his current role.
Damjanovich holds a BS from the University of Connecticut at Storrs. He has received several Store Manager of the Year Awards through Progressive Grocer, a national industry publication. He is also an active volunteer in St. Joseph’s Parish in Ansonia, CT A resident of Seymour, he and his wife, Barbara have 2 children.
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".