Associated Wholesale Grocers, Inc. has named Dan Funk as its new CEO and president following David Smith’s retirement, which took effect in December, according to a Friday announcement.
Funk joined the company in 2012, starting as the president of AWG’s subsidiary Valu Merchandisers Company. Funk went on to serve as AWG’s executive vice president of merchandising and marketing; chief supply chain and merchandising officer; and chief operating officer.
Funk’s experience prior to AWG includes more than 15 years with grocery wholesaler Supervalu, where he held numerous positions including corporate vice president of merchandising, home health and beauty as well as corporate vice president of center store merchandising overseeing beverage, fuel and services, per his LinkedIn profile.
After assuming the roles of president and CEO in 2015, Smith played a vital role in the cooperative food wholesaler’s growth from a Midwestern company to one that operates across the central U.S., according to the announcement. Prior to taking over the top spots, Smith served other executive roles for AWG over his 20 years with the company, including vice president of merchandising and marketing as well as executive vice president of operations.
AWG first announced Smith’s plans to retire in mid-December.
Currently, AWG serves more than 3,400 retail locations across 31 states from nine wholesale divisions. The company also operates subsidiary companies that offer real estate and supermarket development services, health and beauty care, general merchandise, pharmaceutical products, specialty foods and natural and organic products, according to the press release.
