Baton Rouge, Louisiana-based Associated Grocers Inc. has named David Politz as its next president and CEO. His appointment comes after a brief tenure as interim president and coincides with the company’s upcoming 75th anniversary.
“The Associated Grocers Board of Directors is excited to appoint David Politz as our new president and CEO,” said Daphne Lamendola, board chair.
“His unwavering dedication, strategic vision and forward-thinking leadership will continue to guide our company toward sustained growth and success.”
Politz has been with Associated Grocers since 1985, serving in various leadership roles – most recently as SVP and chief information officer. The company credited his contributions for impacting its growth, nothing that he had led the development and implementation of critical systems required to support retail members.
Politz had served as interim president since November, when he succeeded Manard Lagasse Jr., who left company at the end of 2024 to become EVP and chief operating officer at Topco Associates. Lagassee had been with AGBR since 2007, serving as president and CEO since 2019.
“I am honored to be able to continue to serve the independent retailers all along the Gulf Coast with a company that has meant so much to me personally,” Politz said.
“As we celebrate 75 years as a full-service grocery wholesaler, we remain committed to upholding the values that have defined us: integrity, excellence and a singular focus on the long-term success of the independent grocery retailer.
“I look forward to working with the talented team here to expand our reach, enhance our services and continue to innovate for the future to ensure that we remain the preferred wholesale distribution and support center for the independent grocery retailer.”
In addition to Politz, the company has an executive leadership team with about 200 years of combined experience in the grocery industry. After recent promotions and reassignments, that team consists of:
- Carl Marks, EVP and chief strategy officer;
- Chris Kennedy, SVP and CFO;
- Bobby Williams, SVP and COO;
- Gerry Buckles, SVP and chief sales officer;
- Pete Tortorich, VP of retail operations;
- Mike Bove, VP of category management and procurement;
- William Holtman, VP of wholesale operations; and
- Stephen Acosta, VP of information services.
[RELATED: Associated Grocers Names Politz Interim President, CEO]