Associated Wholesale Grocers, a cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, has named Dan Funk as president and CEO, following the December 2023 retirement of his predecessor, David Smith.
Smith joined AWG in 2003 and became president and CEO in 2015. The company said AWG experienced significant growth and success under Smith’s leadership. AWG said Smith steered the company through various challenges and played a key role in shaping AWG’s strategic direction.
The company said that during Smith’s tenure, the cooperative grow from a Midwest company supplying 1,200 stores and with three divisions and sales of $3.2 billion to a company with divisions across the central U.S., retail sales exceeding $24 billion and wholesale sales exceeding $12 billion.
“It has been an incredible journey leading AWG, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together,” Smith said in the release. “I am confident in the bright future ahead for the company under Dan Funk’s capable leadership.”
About Dan Funk
Funk started his career with AWG as president of AWG’s subsidiary, Valu Merchandisers Co., in October 2012. The company said Funk held roles of increasing responsibility including leading center store, merchandising and marketing, supply chain, and most recently as chief operating officer, where oversaw operations for the cooperative. Before AWG, Funk held numerous food retail and wholesale positions for leading independent and chain grocers.
“I am honored to lead AWG into its next chapter,” Funk said in the release. “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.”
Board vice chair retires
Don Woods Jr., vice chair of the AWG board of directors, has also retired, according to the release. Woods, owner of Woods Super Markets, served on the AWG board for more than 38 years, serving as vice chair for 24 years.
AWG appointed board member Dale Trahan, owner of Dale L. Trahan Enterprises Inc., as vice chair.
AWG also added Steve Clarke to replace a vacant seat on the board. Clarke serves as the vice president of County Fair, a family-owned and operated company operating six stores in Nebraska and South Dakota.
