Posted inExecutive News, Association News, Featured News, National, News

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 […]

Posted inAssociation News, Executive News, Featured News, News, West

WAFC Elects 2026-27 Leadership During Annual Convention

The Western Association of Food Chains (WAFC) has announced its 2026-27 officers and board of directors, elected May 3-5 at the 2026 WAFC Convention in San Antonio, Texas. Rebecca Calvin, EVP and CMO of Stater Bros. Markets, was elected president chairperson. Other officers include: Vice President: Wendy Coldesina, VP general merchandise manager, Costco Wholesale; Treasurer: […]

Posted inInternational Foods, Executive News, News, West

Ajinomoto Foods North America Names Gardner President, CEO

Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. (AFNA), a specialty frozen food manufacturer, has appointed Dave Gardner president and CEO. Gardner, who joined AFNA in 2022 as chief supply chain officer, succeeds Hiroshi Kaho, who has been promoted to executive officer and EVP, chief human resources officer for Tokyo-based parent company Ajinomoto Co. Inc. Kaho led AFNA […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Featured News, Foodtown, News, Northeast

Allegiance Retail Services Names Ferreira Acting Chairman, CEO

Allegiance Retail Services (ARS) has named Jason Ferreira acting chairman of its board of directors and CEO, effective immediately. The change is part of the board’s succession development plan. Ferreira has served on the board at Iselin, New Jersey-based Allegiance since 2021 and has been a co-op member since 2013.  Previously vice chairman, he will […]

Posted inIndependent Store News, Executive News, Featured News, News, Northeast, Private Label Brands, Wakefern

Wakefern Food Corp. Names Ruane Director Of Own Brands

Wakefern Food Corp. has promoted Chris Ruane to director of Own Brands. In his new role, Ruane will focus on advancing product innovation, optimizing assortment, strengthening supplier partnerships and delivering quality and value across brands including Bowl & Basket, Wholesome Pantry and Paperbird. He will report to Chief Sales Officer Darren Caudill. “Chris’s deep industry […]

Posted inBakery News, Executive News, Midwest, News

Rise Baking Co. Names Testa As Chief Commercial Officer

Rise Baking Co. has appointed Sarah Testa as chief commercial officer, leading its end-to-end commercial organization, setting strategic direction, driving market share growth and advancing initiatives that support long-term performance and a best-in-class customer experience. The announcement reflects Rise Baking Co.’s commitment to strengthening its customer partnerships as a leader in the bakery industry. Testa […]

Posted inOnline Grocery Technology, Executive News, Featured News, National, News

Gopal Joins Ahold Delhaize USA To Lead Data, AI Strategy

Ahold Delhaize USA has appointed Vipin Gopal as SVP, serving as chief data and artificial intelligence officer for the U.S. businesses. Reporting to Chief Information Officer Ann Dozier, Gopal will lead data, analytics and AI strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business. He will […]