Strack and Van Til Names Ken Diehl President/CEO

Strack and Van Til has named Ken Diehl the regional grocer's new president and CEO, succeeding Dave Wilkinson, who retired in August.

A 29-year grocery veteran, Diehl most recently served as EVP and chief merchandising and marketing officer for Montvale, N.J.-based A&P.

He has also served in positions with Albertson's and New Albertson's Inc., including VP of sales, marketing and merchandising for Jewel-Osco, as well as VP of marketing and merchandising, VP of operations, director of marketing and merchandising, and director of grocery sales.

Ken Nemeth, president of Central Grocers, noted that Diehl "has an excellent track record in operations, sales, and merchandising and particularly in identifying means of improving efficiency and consumer engagement in our industry," adding that his background "provides Strack and Van Til the opportunity to enhance the success that was built by Dave Wilkinson during his tenure with the chain.”

A subsidiary of Central Grocers, Strack and Van Til operates 20 stores, along with 16 Ultra Foods and 2 Town & Country Market locations in Indiana and Illinois.