Eric Hennen
About Eric Hennen
Eric Hennen serves as the VP of Commercial Excellence for Center of Plate, Grocery, and Non-Foods at US Foods. He has extensive experience in category management and marketing, having held various leadership roles across multiple regions and companies.
Current Role at US Foods
Eric Hennen serves as the VP of Commercial Excellence for the Center of Plate, Grocery, and Non-Foods at US Foods. He has held this position since 2023, operating remotely from Charlotte, North Carolina. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the commercial strategies related to key product categories, ensuring alignment with market demands and company objectives.
Previous Experience at US Foods
Eric Hennen has extensive experience at US Foods, having held multiple leadership roles. He was the Sr. Director of Category Management for Poultry from 2019 to 2021 and served as VP of Commercial Excellence for Grocery & Non-Foods from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, he worked as the Interim Area Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing for five months in 2018 and as Sr. Director of Category Management for Commodity Grocery for five months in the same year.
Educational Background
Eric Hennen earned his MBA in Marketing and Operations Management from the Wisconsin School of Business, studying from 2007 to 2009. He also holds a BA in Chemistry from Whitman College, where he studied from 1999 to 2003. This educational foundation supports his expertise in both marketing and operational management.
Diverse Professional Background
Eric Hennen has a diverse professional background that includes roles in category management across various sectors. He has managed categories such as poultry, commodity grocery, value-added grocery, coffee and tea, soda and snacks, and oils and shortening. His career includes experience at companies like The J.M. Smucker Company and Sara Lee, showcasing his adaptability to different markets and product lines.
Career Transition and Skills
Eric Hennen transitioned from a background in chemistry to a career in marketing and operations management. His early career included roles as a Process Chemist and Assistant Lab Manager, which provided him with analytical skills that complement his marketing expertise. His experience in field deployment and merchandising strategy indicates a strong capability in operational execution and strategic planning.