Kemper Isely vs Jason Buechel

Kemper Isely

CEO of Natural Grocers

BIO: Mr. Kemper Isely has been the Co-President and Director of Natural Grocers By Vitamin Cottage, Inc. since 1998. Mr. Isely serves as the Chairman of the Board at Natural Grocers By Vitamin Cottage, Inc. and Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets, Inc. He joined Natural Grocers in 1977 and served as Store Manager, Warehouse Manager, Director of Marketing, Director of Purchasing, Director of Operations and Director of Finance.

Jason Buechel

CEO of Whole Foods Market

BIO: Jason Buechel serves as Chief Executive Officer at Whole Foods Market. Prior to his role as CEO, he served as Chief Operating Officer, providing operational leadership over Whole Foods Market’s 500+ locations across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and overseeing the company’s technology, supply chain and distribution, store real estate and design, and Team Member Services (HR) functions. Jason serves as a champion of Whole Foods Market’s culture and values and is committed to increasing access to local, quality food for the communities it serves. Jason joined the company in 2013 as Global Vice President and Chief Information Officer, where he was responsible for all aspects of information technology and digital innovation, as well as ushering in large-scale IT initiatives that played a critical role in the growth of the business. Prior to Whole Foods Market, Jason served as the Managing Director/Partner within Accenture’s Retail Operations Practice, where he worked with leading retailers on strategic business and technology transformation. Jason has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is an avid runner, hiker and traveler, and enjoys spending time with his family.