Dollar General Names Jason Reiser as EVP and CMO; Carman Wenkoff as EVP and CIO
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - The second quarter of 2017 has been all strategy so far for Tennessee-based discount retailer Dollar General, it seems. Following CEO Todd Vasos revelation last week that Dollar General will be reprioritizing perishables, including fresh produce, the company is now announcing two important changes to two of its highest ranking executives. Jason Reiser will join as the new Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, while Carman Wenkoff will now be Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer.
Effective, July 12, Reiser will replace former CMO Jim Thorpe, who recently retired. Reiser’s over three decade career has spanned positions in retail management, private brand sourcing, regulatory affairs, and pharmacology. Prior to this appointment, Reiser served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the Vitamin Shoppe, where he was tasked with merchandising, operations, and supply chain management. Priorly, he served as the Chief Merchandising Officer at competitor Family Dollar from 2013 to 2016, and as Vice President, Merchandising, Health, and Family Care for Sam's Club from 2010 to 2013.
"Jason is an innovative merchant who has a broad range of experience in discount retail and a track record of leadership excellence," said Todd Vasos, Chief Executive Officer. "I believe Jason's deep understanding of our customer and small-box retail, coupled with his proven ability to drive results, will strengthen our leadership team as we strive to capture future growth opportunities.”
Wenkoff, who will replace retiring CIO Ryan Boone on July 10, brings a broad range of experience to Dollar General. According to a press release, Wenkoff most recently served as Chief Information Officer and Chief Digital Officer for Subway®. In that role, he lead the Information Technology (IT) team to create a digital marketing platform and point-of-sale system, and integrated store technology solutions. His other roles include time with the IT and management team at Subway® restaurant's franchisee-owned Independent Purchasing Cooperative, Chairman of the Retail Gift Card Association, and in senior IT management positions with several tech firms focused on digital marketing and payment and loyalty solutions.
"I am excited to have someone with Carman's experience and digital expertise to be joining our team to lead this important part of the business," said Vasos. "We continue to focus on enhancing our digital presence and meeting our customers when and how they decide to engage with us. I'm confident with Carman's vision we will continue to strengthen these efforts as well as leveraging technology to improve our processes, lower costs and drive a better customer experience.”
Will Dollar General continue to push the needle further towards its fresh-focused discount retail competitors? While signs are pointing to yes, AndNowUKnow will watch for the latest clues.
