The National Grocers Association (NGA) recognized Bill Kies with NGA’s Industry Service Award at the Executive Conference & Public Policy Summit Oct. 21 in Washington, D.C.
The NGA Industry Service Award is awarded to an individual or company whose years of service in the food industry have contributed to better working relations and understanding between retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers.
Kies, a 48-year veteran of the food retail sector, began his career in public service with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, followed by appointments in The White House and time in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Bill’s contributions to the supermarket industry are unmatched,” said Greg Ferrara, NGA president and CEO.
“His leadership, insight and generosity have strengthened every corner of our industry. This award celebrates his lifelong commitment to service and excellence.”
Kies entered the supermarket industry in 1976, joining the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), where he rose to SVP overseeing membership, marketing, media relations and publications. His leadership helped double FMI’s membership and established key initiatives such as retailer share groups, the National State Association Council and six new regional offices.
In 1991, Kies became president and COO of the Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA), representing more than 4,000 independent supermarkets across 20 countries. At IGA, he led groundbreaking efforts including a national branding campaign on CNN, the formation of a private label broker council and a major organizational realignment.
Since founding his own consulting practice in 1994, Kies has advised more than 250 clients, including Fortune 100 companies and trade associations.
Kies is known throughout the industry as a trusted advisor and strategic leader with initiatives including the Friends of the Industry Dinner, which has raised more than $1.2 million for charitable causes, and Retail Operations & Insights (ROI), a supplier-retailer summit series promoting collaboration and shared growth.
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