KANSAS CITY, KS - Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) is ushering in a leadership transition as the new year sparks change. The cooperative announced that President and Chief Executive Officer David Smith has retired as of December 2023, and Dan Funk has stepped in as his successor.

“I am honored to lead AWG into its next chapter. I am committed to building on the strong foundation laid by David and working collaboratively with our talented leadership team, membership, and board of directors to drive continued innovation and growth,” said Funk.

Funk began his career with AWG as President of its subsidiary, Valu Merchandisers Company (VMC), in October 2012, a release detailed. After two years leading VMC, he held roles of increasing responsibility, including leading the center store, merchandising and marketing, supply chain, and, most recently, as Chief Operating Officer, where he was responsible for the cooperative's operations. Before AWG, Funk held numerous food retail and wholesale positions for leading independent and chain grocers.

The leader is taking over for Smith, who joined AWG in 2003 and became President and CEO in 2015. Under Smith's leadership, the cooperative experienced significant growth and success. He was instrumental in steering the company through various challenges and was vital in shaping AWG's strategic direction.

“It has been an incredible journey leading AWG, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” Smith stated. “I am confident in the bright future ahead for the company under Dan Funk's capable leadership."

During his time with the company, the cooperative and membership grew from a Midwest company supplying 1,200 stores and three Divisions with sales of $3.2B to one with Divisions across the central United States and retail sales exceeding $24B and wholesale sales exceeding $12B.

"On behalf of the Board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to David Smith for his outstanding leadership. Under his guidance, AWG has thrived, and we wish him a well-deserved retirement. We are confident that Dan Funk is the right leader to continue AWG's success, and we look forward to working with him in this new capacity," said Barry Queen, AWG's Chairman of the Board.

Best wishes to both leaders!