Krasdale Names COO of Alpha 1 Marketing

Krasdale Foods Inc., a privately owned company providing grocery distribution, merchandising, and marketing to independent grocers, has promoted Gus Lebiak to COO of Alpha 1 Marketing, a Krasdale affiliate.

In his new role, Lebiak, who joined the company more than six years ago, will continue to oversee such key departments as advertising, digital services, customer service, community relations, retail operations, marketing, meat and produce, and merchandising, along with retail regulatory compliance and training. In addition he will now work on unifying the departments, beginning with a focus on merging the skill sets of employees with various backgrounds and experience levels.

“Gus’ extensive industry background has been a significant asset to our team,” noted Thatcher Krasne, CEO and president of Alpha 1 Marketing, Krasdale’s marketing and merchandising division. “He brings a unique perspective from his years working on all sides of the grocery industry and, in his time at Krasdale, has helped to spearhead key programs for both our employees and customers.”

As part of the 110-year-old company’s ongoing strategic plan, Lebiak will continue to implement value-added programs to boost overall efficiency and spur brand growth.

“We're thankful to Gus for his expert leadership of the Alpha 1 Marketing team, which has helped us meet our growth goals,” said Krasdale President and COO Steve Silver. “With this elevated role, we know that Gus will continue to build and expand the Krasdale brand in both the East Coast and Florida markets, putting us on a path toward another century of success.”

Bringing more than 38 years of grocery industry experience to his new position, Lebiak started his career working in a Mayfair Supermarkets store before moving to the wholesale side of the business as a category manager at Twin County Grocers. Afterwards, Lebiak helped launch Allegiance Retail Services, an Iselin, N.J.-based supermarket cooperative, taking on the role of director of grocery and then VP of center store, before joining Krasdale as a VP.

“I’m tapping into the lessons I’ve learned working in both in-store and wholesale operations to create a cohesive strategy that ultimately benefits all sides of the business,” observed Lebiak. “As I step into this new role, my goal is to aid in the consistent, long-term growth of both new and existing markets throughout the East Coast.”

A fully integrated grocery service and supplier, Alpha 1 Marketing is one of several companies affiliated with parent company Krasdale; the others are Beta II Marketing, Consolidated Supermarket Supply and KoolTemp Foods.

White Plains, N.Y.-based Krasdale operates throughout the Northeast and Florida, with store banners that include C-Town, Bravo, Aim, Market Fresh, Shop Smart Food Markets and Stop 1 Food Mart.