Arceneaux, Hendrix at Helm of AFS Following Shakeup

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Affiliated Foods Southwest this month promoted Randy Arceneaux to president, following the departure of John R. Mills, who had been president and chief executive officer. A search for a new CEO is under way, according to reports.

Arceneaux, who joined AFS about six years ago from the Louisiana division of the former Fleming Cos., most recently was vice president and chief operating officer at AFS. He retains the COO role.

His promotion came amidst a credit crisis at the member-owned cooperative, the reports said, as the company temporarily lost its bank credit line and has retained a consulting firm to evaluate restructuring the company.

Shortly before the departure of Mills as CEO, the company had named David Hendrix, operator of the Red Star convenience store chain and the Family Market grocery stores, to be the cooperative’s chairman. Unlike many grocery cooperatives, AFS did not have a member serving as chairman until Hendrix’s appointment.

AFS could not be reached for comment Friday.

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