The Vitamin Shoppe has appointed Kate Vukelich as executive vice president and chief people officer. In this role, Vukelich will oversee all aspects of human resources strategy and operations, including talent acquisition and development, organizational culture, and associate engagement across the company’s stores, distribution centers, and corporate support center.

Vukelich has more than two decades of experience in human resources, retail operations, and organizational transformation across global brands.

Most recently, she served as chief revenue and chief people officer at fashion company Everlane, where she rebuilt the company’s “people” function from the ground up, led cultural and operational transformation, and helped guide the company to profitability, The Vitamin Shoppe reported. During her four-year tenure, she expanded her responsibilities from human resources to include stores, customer experience, international markets, e-commerce, and marketing.

Prior to this role, she spent 12 years at Walmart in a range of senior leadership roles, including vice president of e-commerce 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 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 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.”

Vukelich holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Minnesota’s Curtis L. Carlson School of Management. She is an avid athlete and has competed in multiple triathlons and nearly 20 marathons, including those in New York, Boston, Chicago, and Berlin; London, Tokyo, and Sydney are in her plans.