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, […]
Category: Executive News
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 […]
NACS Appoints Gleeson President, CEO
The National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) has named Frank Gleeson, former president and CEO of Aramark Northern Europe and 2018-19 NACS chairman of the board, as its new president and CEO, beginning Jan. 1. Gleeson will succeed Henry Armour, becoming just the fourth CEO in the organization’s 64-year history; all four came to the […]
The Kroger Co. Shares Key Leadership Changes
The Kroger Co. has announced leadership changes in several key roles across the company, with Ed Oldham, Ann Reed, Jake Cannon and Josh Harpole appointed to new roles. Ed Oldham Oldham has been named head of sourcing, effective Aug. 4. He joins Kroger from PetSmart, where he was SVP and chief supply chain officer. Oldham […]
Food 4 Less Leader Doyel Plans To Keep Building On Banner’s Strong Foundation
Kendra Doyel may have one of the most well-rounded careers among today’s supermarket industry leaders. Named president of Kroger’s Food 4 Less/Foods Co division in April, Doyel started as a pharmacist in the company’s Fry’s division in 1998 and wound through several departments and responsibilities on her way to leading 101 Food 4 Less and […]
Vincent Named Kroger’s Secretary, General Counsel
George Vincent will join The Kroger Co. as its secretary and general counsel, effective Aug. 4. Vincent has been appointed to the role, following the retirement of EVP, General Counsel and Secretary Christine Wheatley on Sept. 1. A partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, Vincent previously served as the firm’s managing partner from 2007-22, where he […]
Heritage Grocers Group CEO Steps Down, Leadership Transitions In Progress
Heritage Grocers Group (HGG) has shared multiple leadership transitions within the company, as Suzy Monford steps down from her role as chairwoman and CEO to pursue other opportunities. She had joined the company in November 2024. HGG has named industry veteran David Hirz chairman of the board and is instituting an Office of the CEO […]
SQFI Appoints Updegraff As Financial Planning, Analysis Director
The Safe Quality Food Institute (SQFI), a division of FMI – The Food Industry Association, has appointed Brian Updegraff as director of financial planning and analysis. In this role, Updegraff will lead the SQFI team in developing and executing financial strategies while collaborating on revenue initiatives to support the global food safety and certification program. “Brian comes […]
