In announcing David Politz’ appointment this spring as president and CEO of Associated Grocers Inc. of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Daphne Lamendola, who chairs AG’s board of directors, cited his “unwavering dedication, strategic vision and forward-thinking leadership” that will continue to guide the company toward sustained growth and success.
Politz has been with AG since 1985, serving in various leadership roles – most recently as SVP and chief information officer. The company credited his contributions for impacting its growth, noting 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 the company at the end of 2024 to become EVP and chief operating officer at Topco Associates. Lagasse 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.
Blaine Broussard, the third-generation owner/operator of Nu Nu’s in Maurice, Louisiana, and an AG board member, has been pleased with the transition.
“One hundred percent, it’s a great team; everybody believes in the same thing,” he said.
“I find our board is so unified, and we have the same goal in mind – that’s supporting the team and making sure AG’s future is good. I think we’ve got a great management team at AG.”
Broussard credited Politz with bringing a different outlook to the company, particularly from the technology side.
“David’s a smart guy. I’ve been on the board for three years now, so getting to know him on a personal level is totally different. I think our future is very bright,” he said.
Ernie Matherne, owner of Matherne’s Market in Baton Rouge and the longest serving AG board member at 35 years, agreed with that assessment.
“I’m excited about David’s attitude toward the membership. You know, he gets it. He’s been with AG 40 years. He knows what it takes to be successful … AG is continuing what it started,” he said.
Daphne Lamendola, owner/operator of Lamendola’s Supermarket in Gonzales, Louisiana, has chaired AG’s board of directors since 2024.
“[David] hasn’t missed a beat. He’s doing some different things. He’s making some different decisions – some really smart decisions – and he’s got that enthusiasm,” she said.
Lamendola, who in 2021 became the first woman elected to AG’s board of directors, noted that Politz has “the love for AG” because he’s been there so long.
“It’s kind of like his baby, his family,” she said. “Every meeting I go through with him, it’s like you would think he’s been doing it forever … he’s just a natural.”
Lamendola also has been impressed with the leadership team.
“His vices [vice presidents], they respect him. You can tell they work well together. You can tell that they communicate … it’s a well-oiled team.”
Craig St. Pierre, owner of DeLaune’s Supermarket in St. Amant, Louisiana, pointed to Politz’s passion for the business.
“I think at AG, it takes a person from the inside to understand the culture, because they kind of spoil us,” he said.
“If somebody came in from the outside and didn’t understand AG’s culture, it would upset a lot of retailers because we’re spoiled by how well they treat us. I just think that starts at the top. He’s the right man for the job.”
Those sentiments are shared by Jay Breaux, general manager of Breaux Mart Supermarkets in Metairie, Louisiana, which has been an AG member for 37 years.
“David worked his way up through the company, and he knows it from the inside out. I think it’s going to be good,” said Breaux, who also sits on AG’s board.
Francis Robin, fourth-generation store owner of Russell’s Food Center in Arnaudville, Louisiana, which has been an AG member for 35 years, is also excited for the company’s future.
“David’s taken over the reins of something that has not only been successful, it can go even higher … I’m sure there’s no corner of AG that he hasn’t walked through. He doesn’t need a roadmap,” Robin said.
Jim Crifasi, owner of Hi Nabor in Baton Rouge, which has been an AG member for 62 years, recalled playing on a recreational softball team with Politz a “long time ago.”
“David compares favorably with his predecessors … he is a man of integrity, upfront, professional and remarkably grounded. He is a great fit for this position with his many years’ experience working at AG.”
The positive reaction to Politz’s appointment is not limited to Louisiana. Greg Ferrara, president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based National Grocers Association, has worked with him for years.
“I’ve known David Politz since my time as a retailer [in New Orleans] and have immense respect for him and am even more proud to call him a friend. He’s dedicated his entire career to AG and has played a major role in the co-op’s ongoing success,” Ferrara said.
“David understands what makes independent, family-owned grocers special – and he’s deeply committed to supporting them. I’m fortunate to have him on the NGA Board of Directors, helping shape the future of our industry.
“He’s also a fellow Paisano with a great appreciation for Italian food, which makes working together even more enjoyable.”
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