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Sprouts Chief Technology Officer Resigns

James Bahrenburg has stepped down from his role at the company and will serve as an advisor through March 2027.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Organic Food

Bold vector editorial illustration of a clean grocery store produce display, representing a corporate leadership transition.
Sprouts Farmers Market Chief Technology Officer James Bahrenburg resigned effective October 12, 2026, and will serve as an advisor through 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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James Bahrenburg resigned as the chief technology officer of Sprouts Farmers Market, effective Oct. 12, 2026. He will continue to support the Phoenix-based retailer in an advisory capacity until March 31, 2027.

Why it matters

The transition occurs as the grocery chain prepares for a broader leadership shift in 2027, including the appointment of a new CEO. The company continues its expansion efforts, having recently surpassed 500 total store locations.

Sprouts Farmers Market currently operates over 500 stores across 25 states and employs approximately 36,000 associates. The retailer is ranked No. 45 on the 2026 PG 100 list and plans to open 42 new locations this year.

The players

James Bahrenburg

He is the departing chief technology officer of Sprouts Farmers Market who has spent 35 years working in information technology organizations.

Sprouts Farmers Market

This Phoenix-based health-focused grocery chain operates more than 500 stores across 25 states.

Nick Konat

He is the incoming CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market who is scheduled to take over the role in early 2027.

Jack Sinclair

He currently serves as the CEO of Sprouts Farmers Market and will transition into the role of executive chairman.

The details

Bahrenburg submitted a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission to formally announce his departure after holding the technology leadership position since 2023. The organization, which opened three new stores last week, is simultaneously managing a transition that sees Jack Sinclair moving to executive chairman as Nick Konat takes the helm.

Timeline

  1. James Bahrenburg started as chief technology officer in 2023.

  2. Sprouts Farmers Market opened its 500th store in September 2026.

  3. James Bahrenburg resigned from his position on Oct. 12, 2026.

  4. Nick Konat will assume the CEO role on Jan. 4, 2027.

  5. James Bahrenburg will conclude his advisory role on March 31, 2027.

Culture Shift

The retailer's No. 45 ranking on The PG 100 list highlights its competitive standing among the nation's largest grocery chains. This executive turnover occurs as the company scales its operations to reach a broader demographic of health-conscious consumers.

Shoppers can expect continued expansion as the company pushes to open 42 new stores this year, adding to the recent openings. The change in executive leadership is unlikely to alter immediate daily operations or product availability at your local neighborhood store.

The takeaway

Leadership changes at major retailers often precede shifts in corporate strategy or expansion pacing. Maintaining continuity through advisory roles allows companies to bridge transition periods while leadership teams adjust.

What happens next

Nick Konat is scheduled to become the company CEO on Jan. 4, 2027, followed by the conclusion of Bahrenburg's advisory contract on March 31, 2027.

Further reading

For more information on the industry, visit Organic Food.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Progressive Grocer.

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Do leadership changes at a major grocery chain impact your trust in the company?