Honolulu, HI (March 29, 2011) – Whole Foods Market announced today that Claire Sullivan has been promoted to Hawai‘i coordinator of purchasing and public affairs. Sullivan joined Whole Foods Market in 2008 as the community and vendor relations coordinator for the company’s Hawai‘i stores.
“Claire has done an amazing job growing and nurturing Whole Foods Market’s base of Hawai‘i farmers and producers, allowing us to provide our loyal customers with a wide selection of local products to enjoy,” said Maren Giuliano, Whole Foods Market regional vice president. “Not only has she done an impressive job with local sourcing – to-date we have more than 250 local vendors – but has helped put a face to Whole Foods Market in the local community.”
In her new role, Sullivan will be responsible for logistics and distribution for Whole Foods Market in Hawai`i, as well as the stores’ local purchasing program. She will also serve as the company’s representative for all external relations in the islands with the community, vendors and distributors as well as local and state government.
Since joining Whole Foods Market, Sullivan has worked with the community to ensure the successful openings of Whole Foods Market’s K?hala and Kahului stores and is a part of the ongoing planning for the company’s third store in Kailua. She has also been committed to building the company’s Hawai‘i vendor list, which now consists of more than 250 local vendors, including more than 70 farms across the state. Sullivan’s work on promoting sustainability in Hawai‘i was recognized earlier this year when she was chosen as one of Hawai‘i Business Magazine’s “20 for the Next 20,” a reserve list of the islands’ emerging leaders.
“It has been a joy and privilege to work with our islands’ local businesses, customers and community groups and introduce them to Whole Foods Market and what the company has to offer,” said Sullivan.
A graduate of Punahou School and the London School of Economics, Sullivan went on to earn a Master’s degree in nature, society and environmental policy at Oxford University. Prior to joining Whole Foods Market, she spent time at the Hawai‘i State Legislature, The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i, the Hawai‘i Community Loan Fund as well as Maui Land & Pineapple.
