IDDBA names industry vet David Haaf president and CEO

Retail foodservice veteran David Haaf is the new president and CEO of the International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA), the group announced Tuesday.

Haaf, who has more than 30 years of industry experience, most recently served as VP of foodservice and Starbucks operations for K-VA-T Food Stores, operator of Food City.

He will begin his IDDBA duties in late April, the group said.

Haaf replaces Michael Eardley, who had led the group since 2014. Eardley announced his retirement in November.

“After a nationwide search, David’s talents, experience and dedication to the dairy, deli, bakery industries made him the clear choice to be the next leader of the association,” said Dominique Delugeau, IDDBA’s board chair, in a statement. “David’s expansive merchandising and operations experience provides him unique insight into the needs and challenges of our member base and industry.”

David Haaf, the new president and CEO of IDDBA / Photo courtesy: IDDBA

Haaf has participated in IDDBA activities for 15 years, including the industry group’s retail management forum events.

Haaf said he intends to create a new strategic plan to create member engagement, attract new members and increase the IDDBA’s influence throughout the industry.

IDDBA was founded in 1964 and is based in Madison, Wisconsin. The group helps retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and brokers meet their business goals through education, networking and more.

IDDBA’s annual conference will be held June 4-6 in Anaheim, California.