David Pearson, president of Kentucky-based Laurel Grocery Co., has announced executive changes that were effective Nov. 15.
On that date, Kip Faulhaber was promoted to SVP of merchandising and marketing, overseeing all marketing, merchandising and procurement for the entire company.
Carey Otwell joined Laurel as VP of fresh, responsible for meat, produce, bakery and deli and reporting to Faulhaber.
Otwell formerly served as director of meat and seafood at Arkansas-based Harps Food Stores. Before that, he served as a director of meat and seafood for Meijer and C&S Wholesale Grocers. Early in his career, he was a meat department manager at a couple of grocery stores. He is a member of the National Cattleman’s Beef Association and serves on a number of beef councils.
Otwell succeeds Larry Davis, VP of perishables, who retires at the end of 2015. He has served Laurel in that capacity since 2010.
Pearson said Davis was a great asset to the company.
“Larry has launched many excellent retailer-focused programs at Laurel over the years and has always been an advocate for our customers. We thank him for the great job he has done for Laurel Grocery and our customers. We will miss him and wish him the very best in his retirement while welcoming Carey on board.”