DePetris named GMDC director of wellness programs

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. GMDC on Monday named Christopher DePetris its director of wellness programs, who will be tasked with continuing to advance GMDC’s leadership position in wellness in the general merchandise and health beauty wellness supplier, wholesale and retailing industries.

“[Chris’s] knowledge and vision for consumer driven health and wellness retail solutions and extensive contacts within the retail and supplier communities that are driving innovation within the categories will be of tremendous value to the GMDC membership,” stated Dave McConnell, GMDC president and chief executive officer. “We feel that Chris’s addition to the staff provides GMDC with an executive whose primary focus will be on supporting the development of innovative programs, consumer and business insights and wellness-focused education and training that will clearly demonstrate GMDC’s commitment to being an industry leader in this exploding retail opportunity.”

DePetris joins GMDC from Wild Oats (now Whole Foods), where he was director of the holistic health department. While at Wild Oats, DePetris also served as national category manager of dietary supplements.