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: […]
Category: Executive News
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 […]
Posted inExecutive News, News, Southeast
HFG Appoints English VP Of Retail Operations For Save A Lot
Houchens Food Group (HFG) has appointed Grant English as VP of retail operations for Save A Lot. English brings more than 36 years of retail management experience to the role, with a background in multi-unit operations, team leadership and driving operational excellence. English most recently served as director of operations at Food Lion, a role […]
Posted inExecutive News, Ahold Delhaize, Corporate Store News, National, News
Ahold Delhaize Names Garnier As CEO Nominee, Muller To Retire In 2027
Ahold Delhaize has nominated Thierry Garnier for appointment as a member of the management board and to serve as president and CEO. Garnier is expected to succeed Frans Muller around the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders in April 2027. Muller will retire after leading the company since July 2018. The appointment is subject to shareholder […]