Fresh Thyme Farmers Market hires new president as Sherrell departs

Chris Sherrell, president and chief executive officer of Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, has announced his departure from the company.

“I am extremely proud of the company I was able to build as well as our mission of bringing fresh and healthy food at an amazing value to dozens of communities,” said Sherrell. “As happens with many entrepreneurs, as Fresh Thyme has matured, I am ready for my next challenge.”

Sherrell has led Fresh Thyme since its beginning in 2012 and the company has since grown to 77 stores, primarily in the upper Midwest.

Effective with Sherrell’s departure, Gerald Melville has been selected to lead Fresh Thyme in the role of president. A 39-year retail veteran, Melville joins Fresh Thyme from Meijer where he was a Regional Vice President of Stores, overseeing operations for nearly 50 Meijer supercenters in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Prior to joining Meijer in 2009, Melville held a variety of senior leadership roles with Albertson’s and Supervalu, including broad responsibility for store operations, customer service, labor, food safety and asset protection.

“I’m very pleased about this exciting opportunity,” said Melville. “Fresh Thyme is a dynamic brand with an ideal offering for today’s health conscious customer. I’m looking forward to joining the team and working together to continue the company’s growth and success.”

Downers Grove, Illinois.-based Fresh Thyme Farmers Market stores provide the experience of a farmer’s market while offering a broad variety of natural and organic products. The company also features numerous offerings tailored to customers following vegan, paleo, keto, vegetarian or wheat- and gluten-free diets. The company currently operates 77 stores in 11 states.