AUSTIN, TEXAS — John Mackey, who co-founded Whole Foods Market in 1980, has announced his intent to retire on Sept. 1, 2022, after four decades at the helm of the natural foods grocer. Jason Buechel, currently chief operating officer at Whole Foods, will take over as CEO following Mr. Mackey’s retirement next year.
“Honestly, it’s very hard to retire from a company that I have helped to create, nourish and grow for 44 years when I leave,” Mr. Mackey said. “As a co-founder of Whole Foods, I’ve often explained my relationship to the company with a parent-child metaphor. As a parent, I have always loved Whole Foods with all my heart. I have done my best to instill strong values, a clear sense of higher purpose beyond profits, and a loving culture that allows the company and all our interdependent stakeholders to flourish. All parents reach a time when they must let go and trust that the values imparted will live on within their children. That time has nearly come for me and for Whole Foods.”
