KEENE, NH - Following a successful 27-year tenure with C&S Wholesale Grocers, experienced industry veteran Michael Papaleo is gearing up for retirement. The retail expert will be stepping down from his role as Executive Vice President and Chief Procurement Officer, taking on a Strategic Advisor role through the coming year.

Papaleo joined C&S Wholesale Grocers in 1997 and has since held a variety of crucial leadership positions. According to a press release, he has been responsible for providing quality service to C&S’s retail customers, inventory management, trade relations, margin performance, merchandising and marketing, and the ISQL operation. During his 27 years with the company, he has served as a critical strategic leader, ensuring the company’s legacy continues to thrive.

Before joining C&S, he spent more than 14 years in merchandising and procurement with Twin County Grocers. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Rutgers University.

“What distinguishes C&S as an industry leader is our people. We have always had hardworking people that lead with a customer-first focus. No one embodies that dedication more than Michael Papaleo,” said Eric Winn, Chief Executive Officer. “Michael has helped lead C&S through many market changes and has been a very respected leader both within the Company, as well as in the overall grocery industry. We have been truly fortunate for his leadership and wish him the very best in his retirement.”

As Papaleo begins his retirement, two experienced leaders will oversee the merchandising and procurement operations.

Mark McGowan, Executive Vice President, Retail and Chief Merchandising Officer, will lead C&S’s Merchandising organization while Andrew Connell, Senior Vice President, Procurement, will now lead all procurement, demand planning, and inbound planning.

Congratulations to Michael Papaleo on his decorated career and upcoming retirement!

For more retail updates like this, keep clicking on our little apple logo.