Broker/Wholesaler Corner

C&S Wholesale Grocers appoints two execs

C&S Wholesale Grocers, Keene, N.H., announced that it appointed Christopher Brown as senior vice president, independent sales, and Alejandro Rodriguez Bas as executive vice president, new business and market development.

The appointment of Brown underscores the strong commitment C&S has to its independent customers and reflects its plans to continue growing its independent business, the company said.

“It is incredibly exciting to be joining a company like C&S with such commitment to the growth and service of independent customers,” Brown said. “C&S has a long tradition of providing for the individual needs of its customers, and I look forward to being part of a team with that level of dedication.”

According to C&S, Brown has spent his career in executive leadership roles in the distribution and supply chain industry, servicing independent retailers and regional chains. Most recently, he served as an executive consultant working with national distributors and regional retailers. Prior to that, he spent 11 years with Nash Finch Co., serving as executive vice president, procurement/merchandising, and executive vice president, food distribution, before being named president and chief operating officer.

As for Rodriguez, C&S said his addition further expands the company’s capabilities in this area.

“Throughout my career, I have focused on the development of new and growing markets,” Rodriguez said. “I am excited to join a company with the amazing legacy and expanding strength of C&S.”

Most recently, Rodriguez was CEO of Grupo LALA, the largest dairy company in Latin America, C&S said. Before that, he spent nearly 10 years with PepsiCo in executive leadership positions in Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia and New Zealand. PepsiCo recognized the impact of Rodriguez’s go-to-market and sales transformations through the adoption of his business models in numerous regions and honoring him with PepsiCo’s own prestigious Donald M. Kendall award.

Associated Wholesale Grocers promotes Steve Arnold to evp

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), Kansas City, Kan., said it promoted Steve Arnold, senior vice president of grocery products, to executive vice president of marketing. He will report to Jerry Garland, AWG’s president and CEO.

Over the past seven years, Arnold has played a key role in the growth AWG has accomplished, the company stated. He also has played an integral part in AWG’s successful growth of private label sales, which exceeded $1 billion under his watch since he began his tenure.

Arnold joined AWG in 1995 as Price Chopper sales manager, AWG stated. In 1997, he was promoted to director of grocery merchandising, a position he held until he was named vice president of merchandising at the company’s Oklahoma City, Okla., division. In 2001, he became senior vice president and division manager at the Oklahoma City division, a position he held for the six years up to his promotion to senior vice president of grocery products.

Replacing Arnold is Dan Funk, president of AWG’s Valu Merchandisers Co. (VMC) subsidiary, who will report to Arnold. Funk joined AWG from Supervalu in October 2012 and has successfully grown VMC’s sales. His leadership has opened new doors in the area of general merchandise and seasonal and specialty foods. He restructured personnel to be on the leading edge of incremental sales opportunities and solidified VMC’s reputation in health and beauty care, AWG said.

Funk, in turn, will be replaced by Dave Sutton, VMC’s vice president of sales. Sutton joined AWG last year and is a key contributor to the continued growth within VMC. His background builds on progressive levels of leadership during several years at Hallmark Cards Inc., the company said.