Executives Receive Diversity Award

SN STAFF

NEW honored 10

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Network of Executive Women honored 10 "diversity heroes" as a special celebration here in conjunction with the association's 10th anniversary.

Lynne Grize, widow of the late Bill Grize, former chief executive officer of Ahold USA, was awarded the first William J. Grize Diversity Award, named after her husband.

"Bill believed in diversity and he always thought people were a company's greatest asset," she said. "Our family is so proud that he is being recognized with this award."

Other honorees were Jeff Noddle former CEO of Supervalu; Judy Spires, CEO of Kings Super Markets; Tom Greco, president of Frito-Lay North America; Linda Dillman, senior vice president at Hewlett-Packard, who was recognized for her work at Wal-Mart Stores; Jeri Dunn, honored for her work at Tyson Foods; Kay Palmer, chief information officer at J.B. Hunt; and James White, CEO of Jamba Inc., who was honored for his work at Safeway.

Erby Foster Jr., director of diversity and inclusion for The Clorox Co., accepted the William J. Grize Diversity Award on behalf of Clorox CEO Don Knauss, also honored for his work at The Coca-Cola Co.

Two companies were also inducted: Delhaize America, represented on stage by Kristen Hanson, vice president for center store category management; and Procter & Gamble, represented by Beverly Grant, vice president and chief channel officer.

NEW Chair Michelle Gloeckler, senior vice president, home, for Walmart U.S., presented the awards, which recognize "outstanding achievement promoting diversity and inclusion in the consumer products and retail industry."

Each honoree received a trophy depicting Athena, goddess of wisdom, holding the world aloft.