Emile Breaux to Head Realigned AWG Real Estate Team

Emile Breaux has been tapped to head the real estate team for Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG). He will retain his position as SVP of regional supply chain operations. For real estate matters, Breaux will report to AWG President and CEO David Smith, and he will continue to report to Chief Operating Officer Dan Funk for all supply chain responsibilities.

In his new role, Kansas City, Kan.-based AWG said Breaux would work with Smith to provide real estate services to AWG retailers and support them with profitable growth opportunities.

Breaux, a former president and CEO of Associated Grocers of Baton Rouge, joined AWG last year. He has more than 25 years of experience working with independent retailers, “which, when coupled with AWG’s development expertise, will provide members with new ideas and opportunities for growth,” AWG said.

Jeff Olson, VP of real estate, will continue to lead the day-to-day transactional activities of the real estate team and will work closely with Breaux and the development teams on current and future projects.

“Our full focus is to navigate successfully through the crowded and complex marketplaces where our members operate to find high-quality, long-term growth opportunities,” said Breaux.

AWG said the real estate realignment allows robust real estate and development offerings that provide member retailers what they need for their business to thrive, including the spectrum of market research, store improvements and new store development, at the lowest possible cost.