The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association (PFMA) has appointed Abir Akhand, industry engagement manager for Altria Group Distribution Co., to its board of directors. Akhand, who leads Altria’s advocacy efforts in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, brings eight years of industry experience, including recent work efforts in the Midwest. He previously managed retail and wholesale accounts based […]
Category: Executive News
Tyson Foods Names Schomburger Next CEO, Succeeding King
Tyson Foods has named Jeff Schomburger president and CEO, effective Oct. 4. Following a transition period beginning in July, Schomburger will succeed Donnie King, who is retiring after a 43‑year career with the company. Schomburger has been a member of the Tyson Foods board of directors since 2016, which has given him a strong understanding […]
AWG CFO Koch Joins Breez AI Board; Stukus Named VP Sales
Breez AI has added Gary Koch, CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), to its board of directors and named David Stukus as VP of sales and customer success. The leadership additions come as Breez AI accelerates growth across retailers, prepares to deploy its next‑generation artificial intelligence platform and unlocks new monetization capabilities for independent grocers. […]
Veteran Lidl Leader Barry To Take Top Role As U.S. CEO
Alan Barry will assume the role of Lidl US chief executive officer, effective in July, bringing nearly two decades of international experience with the company to the top post. According to a Lidl US spokesperson, Barry joined Lidl US in 2024 as chief operating officer and previously served the company in Ireland and Great Britain. […]
Kroger EVP Tim Massa To Retire After 16 Years
Tim Massa, The Kroger Co.’s EVP and chief associate experience officer, will retire Sept. 18 following 16 years of leadership at the company and more than three decades in human resources. Massa joined Kroger in 2010 after a 21‑year career at Procter & Gamble. Prior to his current positions, he rose through senior leadership roles, […]
Kroger SVP Jabbar Retires After 38 Years
The Kroger Co. has announced that Valerie Jabbar, SVP of retail divisions, retired in May after 38 years of service. Jabbar began her career with Kroger’s Fry’s division in 1987 as a clerk. Over the decades, she held a range of leadership roles, including assistant store director, category manager, drug/general manager coordinator, general office seasonal […]
IDDBA’s CEO Search Signals Start Of Leadership Transition
The International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) has launched a search for its next president and CEO, with the leadership transition coming at a pivotal time as the organization shapes innovation and commerce across the fresh food landscape. IDDBA’s board of directors has retained executive search firm Herd Freed Hartz to guide the selection process. The […]
NCSA Recognizes Candy Execs At Sweets & Snacks Expo
The National Confectionery Sales Association (NCSA) presented Anton Vincent, president of Mars Snacking North America and Global Ice Cream at Mars Inc., with the 2026 Kettle Award May 19 during the awards’ 80th anniversary celebration during the Sweets & Snacks Expo. The NCSA also recognized Elaine Wu, co-founder of Amos Sweets and SVP of Amos […]
