AWG promotes 3 to new roles

Associated Wholesale Grocers on Thursday announced a series of executive appointments effective Dec. 7.

At that time, Steve Arnold, EVP of merchandising, will transfer to AWG’s Oklahoma City division to the position of SVP and division manager, reporting to Jeff Pedersen, who was named EVP, division operations, this week.

Arnold joined Kansas City, Kan.-based AWG in 1995 as a Price Chopper sales manager. In 1997 he was promoted to director of grocery merchandising, and later that same year became the VP of merchandising in the Oklahoma City division. In 2001, Arnold was named SVP and division manager for the Oklahoma division until his promotion to SVP of grocery products in 2007, and to his current position in 2014.

Throughout his career at AWG, Arnold has played a key role in the successful growth in private label, which exceeded $1 billion in sales under his leadership, the company said.

Concurrent with Arnold’s move, Dan Funk, SVP grocery, will be promoted to EVP, merchandising and marketing, reporting to David Smith, president and CEO-elect.

Funk joined AWG from Supervalu in 2012 as president of Valu Merchandisers Co., where he successfully grew VMC sales. His leadership opened new doors in the area of general merchandise, seasonal and specialty foods. Funk assumed the leadership of grocery in 2014 where he has continued to build center store sales and marketing programs to support our members within their markets.

Replacing Funk in the role of SVP grocery will be Danny Lane, SVP and division manager of the Oklahoma City division. Lane has led the Oklahoma City division since 2013. Prior to his most recent role, Lane was VP, merchandising and marketing, for the division. Lane began his grocery career in 1982 and has held senior level positions in the retail and wholesale grocery industry during this time.

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