The Vitamin Shoppe, the omni-channel specialty retailer of nutritional products, today announced the appointment of Kate Vukelich as its executive vice president and chief people officer.
Vukelich brings more than two decades of leadership experience in human resources, retail operations, and organizational transformation from global brands, including key executive roles at Everlane and Walmart.
In her new role, Vukelich will oversee all aspects of the company’s human resources strategy and operations. This includes talent acquisition and development, organizational culture, and associate engagement across The Vitamin Shoppe stores, distribution centers, and corporate support center.
Vukelich most recently served as the chief revenue and chief people officer at Everlane, where she was instrumental in rebuilding the people function, leading cultural and operational transformation, and guiding the fashion company to profitability. During her four years there, her responsibilities expanded beyond HR to include stores, e-commerce, customer experience, international markets, and marketing.
Prior to Everlane, Vukelich spent 12 years at Walmart in various senior leadership positions. Her roles included vice president of eCommerce Supply Chain People, head of strategy and human resources for Walmart Neighborhood Markets, and regional general manager overseeing 150 West Coast stores. She also served internationally as chief of staff and HR Integration Executive at Massmart, Walmart’s South African subsidiary.
Driving growth and culture
Sharon Leite, chief executive officer of The Vitamin Shoppe, praised the appointment, citing Vukelich’s rare blend of expertise. “Kate is an exceptional leader who brings a rare combination of deep HR expertise and proven success in retail operations and P&L management,” Leite said. “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.”
Vukelich expressed enthusiasm for the move, emphasizing the company’s mission. “I’m thrilled to join The Vitamin Shoppe at such a pivotal time in the brand’s evolution,” she said. “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.”
Vukelich holds a Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Minnesota’s Curtis L. Carlson School of Management. She is also an avid athlete, having completed multiple triathlons and nearly 20 marathons.
