AWG to promote Jeff Pedersen to executive vice president, division operations

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), Kansas City, Kan., said it will promote Jeff Pedersen to executive vice president of division operations, reporting to David Smith, president- and CEO-elect, effective Oct. 19. Smith will succeed Jerry Garland following Garland's retirement at the end of the year.

In his new role, Pedersen will have responsibility for AWG operations and member services. He began his grocery career in 1976 with Hinky Dinky and worked for Bag-n-Save and Hy-Vee prior to joining AWG in 1997, AWG said. Since joining AWG, Pedersen has held a variety of leadership roles, including division manager in Oklahoma City and, most recently, senior vice president, member services.