Ken Meyer

Ken Meyer is a veteran retail executive, mission-driven entrepreneur, and conscious leader with over 30 years of experience in the natural foods and retail industries.

 

Ken currently serves as an Executive Partner at Shore Capital, where he supports investment strategy, M&A, integrations, operational excellence, and portfolio growth across Shore’s Food and Beverage Funds. He serves on the Board of Directors of Vending and Micro Markets and Sweetmore Bakeries 2.0.

 

Ken spent 24 years at Whole Foods Market, ultimately serving as Executive Vice President of Operations for North America and the United Kingdom.  He led global operations and was responsible for the development, design, and innovation of both new and existing stores. His leadership extended across Global Retail Operations, Supply Chain & Logistics, and Global Culinary & Hospitality. He also played a key role in the acquisition of several manufacturing, technology, and retail food companies that expanded Whole Foods’ operational footprint and strategic capabilities.

 

Ken oversaw the integration of Whole Foods’ largest-format stores, introducing expansive perishable departments and pioneering new experiential concepts, including food halls, restaurants, bars, and cafés. He co-led the launch of 365 by Whole Foods Market, a stand-alone store concept tailored to millennial consumers and spearheaded the company’s first national brand campaign in partnership with Partners & Spade (now Mythology).

 

In 2017, Ken played a pivotal role in Amazon’s acquisition of Whole Foods Market.  He initiated, led and liaised on key negotiations managing a complex, high-speed closing process. As a core member of the integration team, he was instrumental in launching Amazon Prime benefits in-store, including exclusive member pricing, strategic price repositioning, and expanded delivery and pickup options via Prime Now.

 

Ken recently co-founded PrimoFare, an innovative platform designed to source, launch, and scale premium international food brands in the U.S. through a modern retail marketplace model. Ken is also a Founding Partner and Investment Committee Member at Midnight Ventures Partners, an earlystage investment fund focused on emerging food and consumer brands.

 

Ken was inducted into the Whole Foods Market Hall of Fame in 2020.  He is a founding board member of the Whole Kids Foundation and served on the board of Daylesford Organic.

 

Ken received a B.S. in Food Systems Economics & Management from Michigan State University. He is a devoted father to Hannah, Jon, and Laney, all currently pursuing their education at university, and is also an avid triathlete, alpine and expedition mountaineer, and passionate cook who explores the world through its diverse cuisines and savoring every meal.