Biography

Ms. Thornton has over 30 years of executive leadership experience in the grocery, retail and specialty retail sectors, with proven expertise in corporate finance, strategic growth, operational restructuring and corporate governance. Most recently, Ms. Thornton served in executive and director positions with Number Holdings (99 Cents Only Stores), a deep discount retailer, including Chair and Vice Chair of the Board, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. During her career, Ms. Thornton served in several executive roles in the grocery sector, including as Co-Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Operating Officer of Demoulas Super Markets, Inc. (Market Basket), Chief Financial Officer and EVP of Strategy at Albertsons Inc., Group Vice President, Retail Operations, at The Kroger Co. and various executive strategic and financial roles at Ralphs and Fred Meyer, both grocery store chains that became part of The Kroger Co. She also served as Chief Executive Officer of Knowledge Universe U.S., a private childhood education company. Ms. Thornton currently serves on the board of Floor & Decor Holdings, Inc., where she chairs the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and serves on the Audit Committee. Her prior public board experience includes Nordstrom, Inc., Pactiv Evergreen Inc., Ares Acquisition Corp. I and Ares Acquisition Corp. II. Ms. Thornton is a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Fellow and holds an NACD Directorship Certification.