The New Jersey Food Council recognized the top four at its annual “Night of Distinction” reception earlier this month.
Gordon Reid (President, Stop & Shop), Kevin McDonnell (Senior Vice President, Price Rite Marketplace), Christine Curtis (SVP and General Manager, Northeast Independents, C&S Wholesale Grocers), Gus Lebiak (Krasdale Foods, President and Chief Operating Officer) ) Recognized as an industry influencer at an event that brought together over 500 guests and prominent food industry executives.
“This event truly represents ‘who is who’ in the New Jersey grocery industry, where we have come together to showcase the industry leaders who have strived to become the ‘best in class’ food industry association in the country. Celebrate and show respect. said Mike Bias, chairman of Mission Foods.
“We celebrate four industry leaders who have made meaningful contributions to advancing the mission of the Food Council, who have achieved great success in the grocery industry, and who have a history of citizen service within the New Jersey food community.”
Winners are:
- Lead: He oversees Stop & Shop, a local brand for Ahold Delhaize in the USA. Founded in 1914, Stop & Shop now has over 400 stores in the Northeast and employs approximately 60,000 people. Reid previously served as President of Giant Food, leading the brand to the #1 market share position in the local market.
- McDonnell: He oversees 54 supermarkets in 7 states. He is responsible for all aspects of Price Rite Marketplace including sales and advertising programs, retail store operations, property and facility management. McDonnell is the founder of Friends of the Food Industry, helping people in the food industry and their families during difficult times. Since its inception seven years ago, the nonprofit has raised more than $750,000 of his life and helped over 35 families.
- Curtis: She is responsible for private label, category management and retail services for all C&S independent retailers. In her role, she focuses on strategy, sales and customer satisfaction. Working with all corporate functions, she drives performance and profitability improvements.
- Rebiak: He runs a grocery distribution, merchandising and marketing services company supporting over 300 store owners. He directs operations for this 114-year-old company and oversees all divisions, including distribution facilities in the Bronx and Greater He manages the company’s operations locations in the New York area, the Northeast, and Florida. increase.
As part of the event, NJFC graduated from its sixth leadership development class of young professionals in the food industry who are seen as tomorrow’s future leaders.
About NJFC
The New Jersey Food Council is the Garden State’s preeminent trade association, representing nearly 400 businesses, including 1,200 retail food stores, wholesalers, manufacturing and service companies employing more than 200,000 people throughout New Jersey. I’m here.
“This leadership class learned first-hand how the pandemic is reorienting our programs, yet we have absorbed the value of its benefits.” I was able to stay connected virtually and securely in face-to-face sessions.
Alumni include Perry Blatt of Village Supermarkets, Sean Bruno of Bimbo Bakeries, Nicole Burke of Stop & Shop, Kimberly Friel of Wakefern Food Corp., Caitlyn Gilligan of Kings Food Markets, Ben Murphy of Unilever, and Nicole Scaduto of Food Circus Supermarkets. included.