Bowling Green, Kentucky-based Houchens Food Group Inc. has appointed Brian Shillinglaw as chief operating officer (COO). Shillinglaw brings more than 24 years of leadership experience in grocery retail, specializing in merchandising, operations and human resources. Throughout his career, he has held key operational roles at several grocery retailers, including Winn-Dixie, Southeastern Grocers, Rouses, Harris Teeter […]
Category: Executive News
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Frozen Food, Marketing News, National, News
AFFI Hires Meredith As Director Of Marketing, Communications
The American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) has named Rebecca Meredith its new director of marketing and communications. In this role, she will oversee the organization’s content creation and execution, as well as drive AFFI’s event and member communications strategies. Most recently, Meredith served as communications manager at CropLife America, a national trade association representing agricultural […]
Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Executive News, Midwest, News, SpartanNash
SpartanNash Shares CIO, CISO Leadership Appointments
SpartanNash has appointed two new executive leaders – Ed Rybicki as SVP and chief information officer (CIO) and Brett Hoffman as VP and chief information security officer (CISO). The IT department is reporting to EVP and CFO Jason Monaco as part of a newly combined finance/IT/strategy organization. Rybicki will oversee SpartanNash’s technology team, focusing on […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Midwest, News
MGA Recognizes 2025 Award Winners, Hall Of Fame Inductee
The Minnesota Grocers Association (MGA) honored several industry executives with awards July 27 during its annual conference in Brainerd, Minnesota, the premier event showcasing the accomplishments of those in the state’s food industry. Outstanding Grocer Award Andrea Teal of Teal’s Management in Cold Spring, Minnesota, received the 2025 Outstanding Grocer Award. A fourth-generation grocer, Teal’s […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, The Kroger Co., West
WAFC Adds King Soopers’ Albi To Board Of Directors
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) elected Chris Albi, president of King Soopers/City division of The Kroger Co., to its board of directors during an Aug. 1 meeting in Irvine, California. With more than 40 years of leadership experience in the grocery industry, Albi brings knowledge, strategic insight and commitment to serving the community. She […]
Posted inExecutive News, News, Northeast, UNFI, Wholesaler/Distributor News
UNFI Appoints Best As President, CEO Of Retail
Providence, Rhode Island-based United Natural Foods Inc. has appointed David Best as president and CEO of retail, effective Aug. 17. Best will be responsible for accelerating UNFI’s retail business growth strategy while leading the company’s two retail banners, Cub Foods and Shoppers Food Warehouse. “David’s track record of driving retail innovation, his deep industry expertise […]
Posted inExecutive News, Association News, News, West
WAFC Mourns Death Of Former Longtime Leader
The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced the death of former longtime COO Carole Christianson on Aug. 1 after a battle with leukemia. Christianson retired in 2022 following a 50-year career in the food and beverage industry and more than 15 years at the helm of the WAFC. During her time as COO, […]
Posted inMerchandising News, Executive News, News, The Raley's Companies
The Raley’s Companies Fills Key Leadership Roles
The Raley’s Companies has promoted Jessica Blakely and Faith Garrard to senior roles overseeing sales and merchandising across the organization’s banners. Blakely has been appointed VP of sales and merchandising for Bashas’ Family of Stores, while Garrard has been promoted to VP of sales and merchandising for Raley’s Operating Co. Jessica Blakely In her […]