Kurt Luttecke
New Haven,CT
Summary
Seasoned executive with a strong background in strategic turnarounds, P&L management, and growth planning. Proven ability to optimize retail and wholesale operations while enhancing team development and stakeholder engagement. Eager to leverage expertise in a leadership role to drive transformative initiatives and sustainable growth.
Experienced executive with track record of driving strategic growth in complex business environments. Skilled in leadership, financial management, and operational efficiency. Strong focus on team collaboration and adaptability, ensuring reliable performance and results. Known for problem-solving, strategic vision, and effective communication.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Executive Officer
Elm City Market
New Haven, CT
01.2013 - 07.2025
- Revitalized operations and team, reducing turnover by 45%, increasing basket size by 22%, and securing financing to extend the cash runway by 18 months.
- Led digital transformation, launching e-commerce, contactless shopping, and delivery within 60 days.
- Maintained uninterrupted operations during COVID-19, implementing full safety protocols and ensuring team and customer safety.
- Drove brand and community engagement, relaunching marketing efforts, hosting events with 60+ local vendors, and serving as spokesperson and Board liaison.
President & CEO
Executive Food Consulting, LLC
Concord, NC
01.2012 - 10.2013
- Founder of a boutique consulting firm serving retailers, wholesalers, and private equity firms in the natural and organic CPG space, with a focus on turnaround strategy, M&A, market expansion, and interim executive leadership.
- Led major turnarounds and growth initiatives, including a Wild Oats project that drove 50% same-store sales growth and cut shrink by 20%.
- Advised on multiple acquisitions and investment strategies, including operational due diligence and post-acquisition integration, and was retained by a $7.5B hedge fund for sector analysis.
President, Western Region
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)
Providence, RI
01.2009 - 01.2012
- P&L Responsibility: $2.5B | Team: 3,000+
- Led enterprise-wide growth initiatives and operational transformation across 11 western states.
- Delivered record-setting $7.7M operating income growth by improving fill rates and supplier terms.
- Landed $300M in new business with key retail accounts including Safeway.
- Launched executive sponsorship program to elevate talent development.
President, Albert's Organics
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)
Providence, RI
01.2007 - 01.2009
- Led a $350M P&L and a 1,200-person team, turning around an underperforming division through operational streamlining, supplier optimization, and tech upgrades like WMS and voice-picking.
- Achieved $14M in cost savings, doubled EBIT in one year, and drove 22% and 27% revenue growth in consecutive years.
Various Leadership Roles
Wild Oats Markets, Inc.
Boulder, CO
01.1993 - 01.2007
- Advanced through senior roles in merchandising, supply chain, and regional operations, including VP of Perishables Supply Chain and VP of Meat & Seafood, driving performance during high-growth years.
- Delivered rapid margin gains and $1M in profit through vendor optimization, pricing controls, and culture-driven turnarounds across underperforming regions.
Education
Executive Food Marketing Program -
Cornell University
01.2005
Skills
- Strategic Turnarounds & Restructuring
- Full P&L Management
- Retail & Wholesale Operations
- Leadership & Team Development
- Private Equity & M&A Consulting
- Supply Chain Optimization
- Financial & Business Modeling
- Growth Planning & Execution
- Community & Stakeholder Engagement
- Strategic planning
- Operational leadership
- Staff management
- Risk management
- Executive leadership
- Organizational leadership
- Organizational growth
- Project management
Board Service
- Board Member, Elm City Market, 01/01/14, Present
- Former Board Member, Business for Social Responsibility
- Former Board Member, Cornell Executive Food Marketing Program
Timeline
Chief Executive Officer
Elm City Market
01.2013 - 07.2025
President & CEO
Executive Food Consulting, LLC
01.2012 - 10.2013
President, Western Region
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)
01.2009 - 01.2012
President, Albert's Organics
United Natural Foods, Inc. (UNFI)
01.2007 - 01.2009
Various Leadership Roles
Wild Oats Markets, Inc.
01.1993 - 01.2007
Executive Food Marketing Program -
Cornell University