The Vitamin Shoppe® Appoints Retail Veteran Kate Vukelich as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

The Vitamin Shoppe (NYSE:VSI) appointed Kate Vukelich as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective October 20, 2025. Vukelich will lead human resources, talent acquisition, development, organizational culture, and associate engagement across stores, distribution centers, and the corporate support center.

She brings 20+ years of HR and retail leadership, including four years at Everlane where she rebuilt People and helped guide the company to profitability, and 12 years at Walmart with roles up to Regional General Manager for 150 West Coast stores. The CEO framed the hire as part of a near-term transformation and growth plan.

Positive

• Appointment effective October 20, 2025
• 20+ years of HR and retail leadership
• Led People rebuild at Everlane and helped guide to profitability
• 12 years of Walmart experience including Regional GM for 150 stores

Negative

• None.

Vukelich brings more than two decades of leadership experience in human resources, retail operations, and organizational transformation at global brands, including Everlane and Walmart

SECAUCUS, N.J., Oct. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Vitamin Shoppe®, an omni-channel specialty retailer of nutritional products, today announced the appointment of Kate Vukelich as Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer, effective October 20, 2025. In this role, Ms. Vukelich oversees all aspects of human resources strategy and operations, including talent acquisition and development, organizational culture, and associate engagement across The Vitamin Shoppe stores, distribution centers, and corporate support center.

Ms. Vukelich brings more than two decades of experience in human resources, retail operations, and organizational transformation across leading global brands. She most recently served as Chief Revenue and Chief People Officer at Everlane, where she rebuilt the fashion company's People function from the ground up, led cultural and operational transformation, and played a key leadership role in guiding the organization to profitability. During her four-year tenure, Ms. Vukelich grew her portfolio of responsibilities from human resources to encompass stores, customer experience, international markets, e-commerce, and marketing.

Prior to Everlane, Ms. Vukelich spent 12 years at Walmart in a range of senior leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including Vice President of eCommerce Supply Chain People, Head of Strategy and Human Resources for Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and Regional General Manager for 150 West Coast stores. She also served internationally as Chief of Staff and HR Integration Executive at Massmart, Walmart's South African subsidiary, where she helped align Walmart's global values with local operations during a period of significant expansion.

"Kate is an exceptional leader who brings a rare combination of deep HR expertise and proven success in retail operations and P&L management," said Sharon Leite, Chief Executive Officer of The Vitamin Shoppe. "As The Vitamin Shoppe embarks on an impactful new phase of growth and transformation, Kate will be a true strategic partner in shaping a people-first culture that fuels innovation, engagement, and performance. I'm excited to welcome her to our executive leadership team as we advance our strategy to elevate the brand and create the leading destination for health and wellness."  

"I'm thrilled to join The Vitamin Shoppe at such a pivotal time in the brand's evolution," said Ms. Vukelich. "This is a purpose-driven organization powered by passionate teams and a bold vision for the future. As we implement a new transformation and growth plan, I'm eager to help unlock the incredible potential of our people, foster a world-class workplace culture, and ensure every Health Enthusiast associate is valued, empowered, and positioned for success."

Ms. Vukelich holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Minnesota's Curtis L. Carlson School of Management. She is an avid athlete and has completed multiple triathlons and nearly 20 marathons, including New York, Boston, Chicago, and Berlin—with London, Tokyo, and Sydney in her sights.

About The Vitamin Shoppe®

Lifelong Wellness Starts Here™. The Vitamin Shoppe® is a global, omnichannel specialty retailer and wellness lifestyle Company with the mission of providing customers with the most trusted products, guidance, and services to support them on their journeys of lifelong wellness. Based in Secaucus, New Jersey, the Company offers a comprehensive assortment of nutritional solutions, including vitamins, minerals, sports nutrition, specialty supplements, herbs, homeopathic remedies, and green living products. In addition to carrying products from approximately 700 national brands, The Vitamin Shoppe offers products from its proprietary brands within its owned and wholesale channels, including: The Vitamin Shoppe®, Vthrive The Vitamin Shoppe®, BodyTech®, BodyTech® Elite, plnt®, ProBioCare®, True Athlete®, and Whole Health Rx™. In the U.S., the Company conducts business through over 640 company-operated retail stores under The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements™ banners and via its website, www.vitaminshoppe.com. Globally, The Vitamin Shoppe serves customers in select Asia, South America, and Central America markets through local omnichannel partners.

FAQ

When does Kate Vukelich start as Chief People Officer at VSI?

Her appointment is effective October 20, 2025.

What responsibilities will Kate Vukelich have at The Vitamin Shoppe (VSI)?

She will oversee HR strategy, talent acquisition and development, organizational culture, and associate engagement across stores, distribution centers, and corporate support center.

What is Kate Vukelich's experience relevant to VSI's role?

She has 20+ years in HR and retail, including four years at Everlane and 12 years at Walmart with senior leadership roles.

Did Kate Vukelich have P&L or operational leadership before joining VSI?

Yes; her roles expanded to include stores, customer experience, international markets, e-commerce, and she served as Regional General Manager for 150 West Coast stores at Walmart.

How did VSI describe the strategic purpose of this hire?

VSI said the hire supports a transformation and growth plan to build a people-first culture that fuels innovation, engagement, and performance.

Does the announcement disclose Kate Vukelich's compensation or succession plans at VSI?

No; the announcement does not provide compensation details or information about succession arrangements.