C&S Wholesale Grocers Names Chris Smith Chief Supply Chain Officer

C&S Wholesale Grocers has hired Chris Smith as the company’s chief supply chain officer, effective Oct. 15. In his new role, Smith will lead all operations and transportation teams, working across the organization to enhance the customer experience.

 “Smith is a hands-on leader who believes in supporting and coaching his team,” noted Mike Duffy, CEO of Keene, N.H.-based C&S. “His significant logistics experience and positive approach to leadership will be tremendous assets as we execute on future initiatives.”

Bringing to his latest position extensive supply chain and distribution experience, as well as a background in finance, Smith comes to C&S from San Francisco-based health care company and pharmaceutical distributor McKesson, where he spent 13 years in senior leadership roles in the U.S. distribution business and, most recently, was SVP of the Northeast region. Before McKesson, Smith spent 12 years with The Home Depot in logistics and finance leadership roles.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the lead supply chain company in the food industry,” said Smith. “The expertise of the C&S team is a valuable asset to independently owned retailers and national supermarket chains, and I look forward to working toward our mutual successes.”

Smith currently sits on the board of directors for Cancer Support Community of Walnut Creek, Calif., and the Supply Chain Leaders in Action (SCLA).

He takes on C&S’ lead logistics role as EVP of Distribution Peter Fiore prepares to retire at the end of 2018 after 26 years with the company and 40-plus years in the grocery industry.

C&S, the largest wholesale grocery supply company in the United States, supplies more than 14,000 independent supermarkets, chain stores, military bases and institutions with 140,000-plus products.