Alliance Retail Group (ARG) has appointed Chris O’Hara to its board of directors, adding 37 years of grocery retail experience to its leadership.
O’Hara currently serves as director of operations for G&W Foods, which operates 30 locations in Arkansas, Kansas and Missouri with more than 1,100 employees.
O’Hara’s journey in the grocery business began at age 16 as a carry-out, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in the industry.
He held multiple leadership roles with Smitty’s Supermarkets in the Springfield, Missouri, market from 1989-98 before the company was acquired by Albertsons. He continued as a store manager with Albertsons until 2002, when the stores transitioned to Price Cutter.
He later relocated to the Dallas-Fort Worth area, serving as a category manager for Albertsons until 2007, when he returned to the Ozarks to join G&W Foods.
Strong independent retail leadership
Jeff Pedersen, chief customer officer of Alliance Retail Group, welcomed the addition of O’Hara.
“Chris embodies the values and experience that define strong independent retail leadership,” Pedersen said. “His operational insight, industry knowledge and passion for people will be invaluable as we continue to support and grow our network of retailers.”
In his board role, O’Hara will provide strategic guidance and lend his field experience to help drive initiatives that enhance retailer performance, innovation and long-term success.
O’Hara said the appointment aligns with his belief in the role independent grocers play in their communities.
“[They] are the backbone of so many communities, and I look forward to contributing to ARG’s mission of helping retailers thrive in an ever-changing marketplace,” O’Hara said.
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