AWG Names Jeff Pedersen EVP, Division Ops

Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG) has promoted Jeff Pedersen to EVP of division operations, effective Oct. 19.

In his new role, Pedersen will oversee the company's operations and member services. He'll report to former EVP of Operations and recently appointed President/CEO David Smith, who will succeed Jerry Garland upon his retirement at the end of the year.

Pedersen began his grocery career in 1976 with Hinky Dinky and worked at Bag-n-Save and Hy-Vee prior to joining AWG in 1997. Since joining the grocery cooperative, Pedersen has held a variety of leadership roles including division manager in Oklahoma City and most recently, SVP member services. 

Kansas City, Kan.-based AWG has more than 600 member-owners and services more than 3,400 retail outlets in 31 states.