David Smith to be president and CEO of Associated Wholesale Grocers

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), Kansas City, Kan., said its board of directors selected David Smith to succeed Jerry Garland as president and CEO, beginning in January 2016. Smith is currently the executive vice president of operations for the company.

Smith began his career in the food industry as an independent store owner and has worked in various assignments at the wholesale level. He joined AWG in 2003 and opened the new Gulf Coast Division in Louisiana in 2013 as senior vice president, general manager, AWG said.

“AWG is fortunate to have someone as experienced in family-owned businesses as David, with an experienced leadership team in place to support his efforts,” said Barry Queen, chairman of the board for AWG. “The AWG board has worked closely with Jerry over the past few years on a succession plan that will provide a smooth transition and continue the momentum that the company and our members have benefited from over his time as CEO.”

Garland has served as president and CEO since 2009 and has grown AWG into a $9 billion wholesale cooperative operating nine distribution centers, the company said. During his tenure, the cooperative has grown sales by 31 percent and increased net income by 70 percent while lowering operating expenses. 

“On behalf of the entire membership, we want to thank Jerry for his 25 years of service and particularly for the outstanding results during his tenure as CEO,” Queen said.

Garland will continue to serve AWG in an advisory capacity after the transition is complete. He will also continue to serve as chairman of the Food Marketing Institute until the end of his current term, AWG said.