Associated Wholesale Grocers’ (AWG) EVP of operations, David Smith, will succeed Jerry Garland as president and CEO in January. The Kansas City, Kansas-based wholesaler made the announcement Thursday.
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 SVP and GM.
“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, AWG’s board chairman. “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. 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,” said Queen.
Garland will continue to serve AWG in an advisory capacity after the transition is complete. He also will continue to serve as chairman of the Food Marketing Institute until the end of his current term.
AWG supplies more than 3,400 grocery facilities in 26 states.
