Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based Alliance Retail Group (ARG) is restructuring its organization to better support its retailers and vendor partners. This includes the appointment of two industry veterans – Steve Massie and Jeff Pedersen – to leadership positions.
By providing a more focused approach, the company aims to enhance engagement, education and the delivery of business solutions to retailers, as well as create additional opportunities for vendor partners.
Alliance Retail Group is celebrating two decades growth while reaffirming its mission of empowering independent retailers to compete and thrive in a challenging market.
Since its founding, the company has achieved several milestones. With a store count nearing 1,500 and iPro Systems – its tech company – serving more than 4,000 independent retail locations, ARG companies now support about 25 percent of independent retail businesses nationwide.
The new structure and leadership will enable ARG to build stronger relationships, provide greater support and drive growth for all stakeholders.
Leadership appointments
Massie, who has been named chief merchandising officer, brings a wealth of experience and expertise from the grocery industry. His career includes senior leadership roles at Kraft Foods and Mondelez, where he served as VP of national accounts.
He also gained global experience during his time in China, exploring growth opportunities in emerging markets. As director of merchandising at Meijer, he managed a $2 billion P&L and led a high-performing negotiation team. His private equity background further enhances his capability to drive strategic growth and partnerships.
Pedersen, who has been appointed chief customer officer, brings nearly five decades of experience in the grocery industry. Known for his leadership and commitment to independent grocers, his career includes 25 years at Asssociated Wholesale Grocers and 17 years in leadership roles at Hy-Vee.
Pedersen most recently served as president and CEO of Retailer Owned Food Distributors and Associates (ROFDA), a cooperative representing eight wholesalers, 7,000 grocery stores and nearly $35 billion in retail sales.
He will focus on strengthening relationships, leveraging technology and enhancing operational efficiencies to help independent grocers remain competitive.