AWG promotes Smith to division operations EVP

David Smith

Associated Wholesale Grocers said Friday that David Smith will be promoted to EVP of division operations, reporting to Jerry Garland, president and CEO, effective Jan. 4.

In his new role Smith will have responsibility for AWG operations, corporate distribution, corporate services and IT.

Smith has been in the grocery industry for many years, starting as a teen in a family-owned business and working in various retail roles including store owner/operator. Prior to joining AWG, he spent 17 years in various wholesale positions with Malone & Hyde and later Fleming, ranging from retail development manager to general manager of the Nashville division.

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Smith joined Kansas City, Kan.-based AWG in 2003 as director of real estate and was promoted to director of member services for the Nashville division in 2007. In 2009 he was promoted to VP of merchandising for the Memphis division. In conjunction with his contributions in Memphis, David was soon promoted to SVP and division manager and led the team in the successful start-up of the new Gulf Coast division.

Earlier this year, Smith was placed on special assignment reporting to COO Mike Rand, who was to retire at the end of the year.