National Convenience Distributors, the fifth largest wholesale distributor to the convenience industry, has named Jeff Allen as its CEO. Edward Berro will continue as chairman of the board. In addition, Paul Murphy has been appointed the company’s chief operating officer.
Allen, formerly an NCD divisional president, joined the company in March 2020 when his business, Allen Brothers Wholesale Distribution located in Philadelphia, merged with NCD. Allen was the third-generation president at Allen Brothers and, since taking over its daily operations in 1981, helped grow it into an industry leader.
Murphy joined NCD in 2016 and previously served as its EVP of business development. Prior to that role, Murphy held various senior positions at the Altria Group.
“The convenience distribution industry, like many others before it, is going through a period of consolidation,” said Allen. “Distributors are looking to join forces with companies that share their growth philosophies and strategic vision. However, they want to remain rooted in the core principles like quality service and employee empowerment that NCD exemplifies but many others have forgotten. These entrepreneurial companies view NCD as the acquiror of choice. We will continue to grow the NCD operations both through strategic acquisitions and internal, organic growth in the years to come.”
“I am pleased to announce the appointments of Jeff Allen to our CEO and Paul Murphy to Chief Operating Officer. Jeff’s entrepreneurial spirit, industry vision and unparalleled leadership skills are exactly what the company requires to take it to the next level,” Berro said. “The NCD executive management team, along with Jeff and Paul, will remain focused on customer service and expanding the breadth of our product offerings.”
National Convenience Distributors, with origins dating back more than 120 years, is the result of private equity group Palm Beach Capital’s vision to build the preeminent wholesale distributor servicing convenience stores throughout the northeast. After its initial investment in Harold Levinson Associates in 2014, the firm made subsequent investments in J. Polep Distribution Services, Allen Brothers and Wustefeld Candy. In 2020, the company began to consolidate and rebrand itself as National Convenience Distributors.
“We are very pleased with the remarkable progress that NCD has achieved in the few short years since our investment,” said Mike Schmickle, Palm Beach Capital partner. “Ed Berro has been instrumental in the growth of the company, and we thank him for his dedication and service. We are extremely excited to elevate Jeff Allen to the CEO role and are confident that, under his leadership, NCD will continue its impressive growth strategy in the fragmented convenience distribution industry.”
