GREENSBORO, N.C. — Richard Anicetti has been named president and chief executive officer of The Fresh Market, a specialty grocery retailer with 176 stores in 27 states. Mr. Anicetti also has been elected to the company’s board of directors. He succeeds Sean Crane, who filled the role in an interim capacity following the departure of former president and c.e.o. Craig Carlock in January.

Richard Anicetti, new president and c.e.o. of The Fresh Market.

Mr. Anicetti’s more than 30 years of retail experience includes eight years as president and c.e.o. of Food Lion grocery stores, a subsidiary of Delhaize Group with more than 1,300 locations. During that time, he led a major business model transformation and served as co-c.e.o. of Delhaize America. After leaving the company in 2010, he joined Ares Capital as a strategic advisor and served on the board for two of its portfolio companies, Numbers Holdings, Inc., and Smart & Final.

“After an extensive search, we are delighted that Rick Anicetti will join us as the chief executive officer of The Fresh Market,” said Ray Berry, founder and chairman of The Fresh Market. “Rick is a highly accomplished food retail executive serving in leadership roles at Hannaford and Delhaize. He and I have spent time together reviewing the competitive marketplace, and I am impressed with his knowledge of store operations, as well as his demonstrated vision, innovation and ability to successfully run large grocery organizations. We have every confidence Rick will lead The Fresh Market effectively and creatively and are assured of the company's future under his direction.”

Founded in 1982, The Fresh Market offers specialty food products in an atmosphere the company describes as an “open-air market with old-world charm.”