Posted inExecutive News, Featured News, Merchandising News, National, News, The Kroger Co.

Kroger SVP Jabbar Retires After 38 Years

The Kroger Co. has announced that Valerie Jabbar, SVP of retail divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service. Jabbar began her career with Kroger’s Fry’s division in 1987 as a clerk. Over the decades, she held a range of leadership roles including assistant store director, category manager, drug/general manager coordinator, general office seasonal […]

Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News

IDDBA’s CEO Search Signals Start Of Leadership Transition

The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) has launched a search for its next president and CEO, with the leadership transition coming at a pivotal time as the organization shapes innovation and commerce across the fresh food landscape. IDDBA’s board of directors has retained executive search firm Herd Freed Hartz to guide the selection process. The […]

Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Featured News, News, West

WAFC Elects 2026-27 Leadership During Annual Convention

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced its 2026-27 officers and board of directors, elected May 3-5 at the 2026 WAFC Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Rebecca Calvin, EVP and CMO of Stater Bros. Markets, was elected president chairperson. Other officers include: Vice President: Wendy Coldesina, VP general merchandise manager, Costco Wholesale; Treasurer: […]

Posted inInternational Foods, Executive News, News, West

Ajinomoto Foods North America Names Gardner President, CEO

Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. (AFNA), a specialty frozen food manufacturer, has appointed Dave Gardner president and CEO. Gardner, who joined AFNA in 2022 as chief supply chain officer, succeeds Hiroshi Kaho, who has been promoted to executive officer and EVP, chief human resources officer for Tokyo-based parent company Ajinomoto Co. Inc. Kaho led AFNA […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Featured News, Foodtown, News, Northeast

Allegiance Retail Services Names Ferreira Acting Chairman, CEO

Allegiance Retail Services (ARS) has named Jason Ferreira acting chairman of its board of directors and CEO, effective immediately. The change is part of the board’s succession development plan. Ferreira has served on the board at Iselin, New Jersey-based Allegiance since 2021 and has been a co-op member since 2013.  Previously vice chairman, he will […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Featured News, News, Northeast, Private Label Brands, Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. Names Ruane Director Of Own Brands

Wakefern Food Corp. has promoted Chris Ruane to director of Own Brands. In his new role, Ruane will focus on advancing product innovation, optimizing assortment, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering quality and value across brands including Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird. He will report to Chief Sales Officer Darren Caudill. “Chris’s deep industry […]