C&K Market's Nidiffer Moves to Chairman Role

C&K Market, Inc. president and CEO Doug Nidiffer plans to retire and transition to a new role as chairman of the board effective May 1, a capacity in which he will advise the company on future growth strategies.

“I’m honored and proud to have served this great company for over 40 years,” said Nidiffer. “This truly is a family company, and I count all of our 2500 employees among my C&K family. I look forward to taking on a new role as chairman, and am excited to see the company grow and prosper under this new, dynamic leadership team.”

Nidiffer will be succeeded by Greg Sandeno, who currently serves as VP and COO. Joining C&K Market in 2005, Greg is an accomplished leader and veteran of the supermarket industry. With more than 30 years of retail experience, Greg has held strategic leadership roles with Nash Finch Company and the Fred Meyer division of Kroger.

“The strength and growth of C&K Market is a testament to the leadership of Doug Nidiffer,” said Sandeno.

Nidiffer is the son of Ray and June Nidiffer who, since 1956, built the company from a single, 3,200 sq. foot store in Brookings, Ore., to one of Oregon’s largest privately-owned companies.

Raised in the grocery environment, Nidiffer spent most of his formative years in the industry. After graduating from Oregon State University in 1972 with a Bachelor of Science degree, he returned to Brookings and the company.

After serving in roles in every aspect of C&K's operations, he became VP in 1980. After his father’s retirement in 1997, Doug became the company's second president and CEO. He has continued his stewardship of the company and the culture and tradition of service to the community that Ray Nidiffer fostered within C&K.

The transition of leadership at C&K Market includes a number of additional strategic appointments:Alan Nidiffer is named EVP and CIO, and will continue to be responsible for supervision of the IT department, as well as serving in his roles as a member of C&K’s board of directors and secretary/treasurer of the company. Alan Nidiffer previously served as VP and CIO.

Elizabeth Bauer was named EVP, chief financial and administrative officer, and general counsel. In addition to continuing to work with her teams in finance, accounting, legal, human resources, real estate development and employee experience, Bauer will supervise all pharmacy operations for the company. She previously served as VP, CFO and general counsel. Bauer received her Juris Doctorate, Masters of Business Administration, and Bachelors of Arts from the University of Oregon. Prior to joining C&K in 2006, she was a corporate and healthcare attorney at a regional firm in Eugene, Ore.

Terry Spencer has been promoted to VP of merchandising and marketing. In this role, Spencer’s teams will be responsible for all procurement at C&K and will be driving all marketing initiatives. He has been with C&K for over 30 years and had previously served as senior director of perishables for the company.

Rocky Campbell is being promoted to VP of operations. In this role, he is responsible for all store operations, store operational support, loss prevention, and pricing. Prior to being promoted, Campbell was most recently in the role of senior director of operations, and has worked at C&K for over 30 years.

In addition to his new role as chairman Nidiffer will remain C&K Market’s chief pilot.
Brookings, Ore.-based C&K Market, Inc. operates 62 grocery stores and 13 pharmacies under the banners of Ray’s Food Place, Shop Smart, C&K Market and Pharmacy Express.