US – Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. (AWG) has bided farewell to President and CEO David Smith, who retired in December 2023 after an impactful tenure.
His departure marks the dawn of a new era as Dan Funk steps into the role of President and CEO, commencing a fresh chapter for the renowned cooperative.
Smith, a stalwart at AWG since 2003, ascended to the role of president and CEO in 2015. His stewardship ushered in an era of remarkable growth and success, propelling AWG to the forefront of the industry.
He reflected on his journey, stating, “It has been an incredible journey leading AWG, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together.”
“I am confident in the bright future ahead for the company under Dan Funk’s capable leadership.”
Funk, with a robust background within AWG, commenced his journey as the president of Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC) in 2012, gradually assuming roles of escalating responsibility.
He expressed his commitment to driving the cooperative forward: “I am honored to lead AWG into its next chapter.
I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by David and working collaboratively with our talented leadership team, membership, and board of directors to drive continued innovation and growth.”
Barry Queen, AWG’s chairman of the board, extended gratitude to Smith for his exceptional leadership, affirming, “Under his guidance, AWG has thrived, and we wish him a well-deserved retirement.”
“We are confident that Dan Funk is the right leader to continue AWG’s success, and we look forward to working with him in this new capacity.”
AWG stands as the largest cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets across 31 states, boasting a robust network serving 1,100 member companies and over 3,400 locations through nine wholesale divisions.
Consolidated sales for AWG in 2022 reached $12.3 billion. Beyond its wholesale operations, AWG operates subsidiary companies offering diverse services, including real estate and supermarket development, health and beauty care, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods, and natural and organic products.
With Funk at the helm, AWG anticipates a seamless transition and continued success as it embarks on a new trajectory of growth and innovation.
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