Keasbey, N.J.-based Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned grocery cooperative in the U.S., announced a slew of leadership changes following last month’s news of former EVP Chris Lane’s resignation from the company.
Wakefern SVP Brett Wing is retiring, Wakefern said, while five current Wakefern leaders—praised by Wakefern President and COO Joseph Sheridan as “committed to the continued growth and excellence of our cooperative”—are being promoted. Among the promotions, Kevin McDonnell, previously SVP of Price Rite Marketplace, has been named president of the banner.
Wing is wrapping up a successful 45-year career in the food industry, including his current seven-year tenure at Wakefern, the company said in a statement. “Wing’s knowledge and deep industry experience contributed immensely to ShopRite and Wakefern’s success—leading the company through challenging times in a highly competitive environment,” Wakefern stated.
News of Wing’s retirement also included the following statement from Wakefern regarding the cooperative’s executive promotions:
- Kevin McDonnell, former SVP of Price Rite Marketplace, has been appointed to Wakefern’s executive staff as president of Price Rite. He will continue to lead Price Rite Marketplace, which has more than 60 stores in Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. As president, McDonnel will oversee all aspects of the banner, including sales and advertising programs, retail store operations, real estate and facilities management. He will report to Sheridan.
- Ryan Maloney has been promoted to VP and store operations, which duties include new member integration as well as all facets of merchandising. Maloney joined Wakefern in 2009 as an intern supporting the grocery division.
- Danny Perriello has been promoted to director of retail operations where he will oversee retail labor management, and the retail operations shared services program. Perriello had 14 years of retail experience with Village Supermarkets before joining Wakefern in 2009.
- Dan Tarnopol has been promoted to VP, site development, real estate and member services. Tarnopol joined Wakefern in March of 2014 as corporate counsel in the legal department. In 2018, he was promoted to director site development and real estate. Tarnopol, who will now report to Michael Day, will continue to support the cooperative and service the members in driving growth and business transformation.
- Michael Day has been promoted to group VP of strategic planning, business development and member services, overseeing strategic initiatives, retail operations, site development and real estate.
From a small, local cooperative that began with eight grocery store owners, Wakefern Food Corp. has now grown into the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, with its members operating more than 300 stores under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage and Fairway Market banners throughout the Mid-Atlantic and New England.
