Hussain joins UNFI after 22 years in legal and leadership roles for McDonald’s Corporation

United Natural Foods, Inc. (NYSE: UNFI) (“UNFI”) today announced that Mahrukh Hussain has been appointed to the position of General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, with oversight of the Company’s legal and governance activities in support of its long-term growth strategy. Hussain, who currently serves as McDonald’s Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial and Privacy Officer, will join UNFI on May 16, 2022, and will report to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s Chief Executive Officer.

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Mahrukh Hussain will become UNFI’s General Counsel and Corporate Secretary on May 16, 2022, and will have oversight of the Company’s legal and governance activities in support of its long-term growth strategy, while reporting to Sandy Douglas, UNFI’s Chief Executive Officer. (Photo: Business Wire)

“Mahrukh is a great addition to UNFI as she brings a wealth of experience overseeing large corporate legal functions with a passion for building collaborative support teams,” said Mr. Douglas. “With our focus on helping customers grow and succeed and on continuing to expand market reach, UNFI’s legal function will be a critical link in supporting business growth, future commercial transactions, and UNFI’s high standards for ethics and compliance. Mahrukh will also help us continue diversifying our leadership team, bringing fresh thinking and new perspectives to how we work and support our more than 28,000 company associates.”

“UNFI has a tremendous growth plan, coupled with a long history of doing the right thing for its customers, associates, suppliers and communities,” said Ms. Hussain. “Strong growth and equally strong values are important to me, and I look forward to joining UNFI’s leadership team and supporting the next chapter in the Company’s exciting journey.”

Hussain will be responsible for all UNFI legal activities including compliance, employment law, securities and board governance, strategic transactions and contracts, and real estate. In addition, she will support UNFI’s senior leadership team as they execute UNFI’s Fuel the Future strategy, supporting the Company’s growth and leveraging her more than 20 years of global experience at McDonald’s, one of the world’s largest and most iconic quick serve restaurant brands.

During her tenure with McDonald’s, Hussain held a range of legal positions with increasing responsibility. Most recently, she oversaw global responsibility for commercial transactions, marketing and intellectual property, technology, privacy and safety, security, and intelligence. She also has served as McDonald’s U.S. General Counsel (2013-2020); Europe General Counsel (2011-2013); Central Division General Counsel (2009-2011); and Senior Counsel/Counsel U.S. Real Estate Practice Groups (2000-2009). She also spent two years (2018-2020) as Corporate Secretary for Ronald McDonald’s House Charities, an Illinois not-for-profit corporation.

Prior to working with McDonald’s, Hussain spent four years as an Associate at the law firm of Schwartz, Cooper, Greenberger, and Krauss and one year as a judicial clerk for Justice Rita Garman, currently a Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court.

Hussain holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Chicago and a J.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

About United Natural Foods

UNFI is North America's premier food wholesaler delivering the widest variety of products to customer locations throughout North America including natural product superstores, independent retailers, conventional supermarket chains, ecommerce retailers, and food service customers. By providing this deeper 'full-store' selection and compelling brands for every aisle, UNFI is uniquely positioned to deliver great food, more choices, and fresh thinking to customers everywhere. Today, UNFI is the largest publicly traded grocery distributor in America. To learn more about how UNFI is Fueling the Future of Food, visit www.unfi.com.

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