Kentucky-based Houchens Food Group has promoted Greg Rush to president and Craig Knies as CMO and SVP of merchandising.
“Greg is an industry veteran and very deserving of this promotion,” said Dion Houchins, CEO and chairman of Houchens Food Group. “I look forward to working closely with Greg and I know he will do a terrific job leading this proud company.
“I am also delighted to share that Craig Knies has been promoted to the position of CMO and SVP of merchandising for Houchens Food Group. We are fortunate to have an experienced, industry veteran such as Craig to fill this very important role.”
Rush’s retail experience began at age 15 with a local independent grocer. While attending Western Kentucky University, he worked full time in Dollar General’s Scottsville, Kentucky, distribution center and interned with various departments. Upon graduation, he joined the internal audit department before transitioning into merchandising, where he led sourcing and category management for numerous departments.
In 2009, he joined Houchens Food Group as a convenience category manager and has served in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as CMO and VP of merchandising since 2021.
Rush is involved with several professional and charitable organizations. He has been a board member of Alliance Retail Group since 2018, serving as its chairman since December 2022. He also is on the board of IGA Inc. In 2024, he joined the boards of Houchens Food Group and Feeders Pet Supply.
Rush also serves on the boards for the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Bowling Green and was president of the Kentucky Area Council for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
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An industry veteran, Knies has held various roles of increasing responsibility over his 40-year career, the last 16 of which have been with Houchens Food Group. He most recently served as its VP of retail operations north division. His retail career includes positions where he gained experience in operations, sales and merchandising.
Knies, who has a bachelor’s degree in finance from Indiana State University, serves on the National Retail Advisory Board with IGA. He also is on the leadership council and board of directors for the Red Cross Southwest Indiana chapter.
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