JOH is proud to welcome Chris Forde to our Pittsburgh/Cleveland team as Director of Center Store.
Chris brings more than 27 years of retail experience to JOH, with a strong background across grocery, frozen, and dairy. He most recently held senior leadership roles in merchandising at a major regional grocery chain, where he led key categories and helped drive growth across the business. Chris began his career there in dairy, as a Merchandising Manager and Assistant Category Manager, steadily advancing into senior leadership roles across Center Store categories.
Throughout his career, Chris has built a reputation as a trusted leader who understands both the big picture and the day-to-day details that drive results. He is well-versed in financial planning, reporting, and cross-functional communication, and is known for mentoring and developing teams along the way.
“Chris is a seasoned leader with a track record of success in every role he has taken on,” said Matt O’Hare, President & CEO, JOH. “We’re excited to welcome him to the family. His experience, education, and energy make him a great fit for our team!”
“We’re excited to add Chris to our Pittsburgh/Cleveland team,” said Brian Gasuik, President, JOH Upstate. “He understands the market, the customers, and the work it takes to drive results. He’s going to make an immediate impact across the region for our clients and customers.”
Chris lives in Pittsburgh with his wife, Kristen, and their three children, Roman (8), Ruby (4), and Renny (19 months). He enjoys family time, from Cub Scout camping trips to making heart-shaped pizzas, and loves to cook, bake, and garden. A true grocery enthusiast, Chris can often be found exploring stores in search of new products and great finds.
Please help us welcome Chris. He can be reached at [email protected].
