Nash Finch Names Alec Covington CEO
MINNEAPOLIS -- Nash Finch Co. based here has put longtime industry veteran Alec Covington at the reins as president and chief executive, the company said yesterday.
Covington, 49, who most recently served as president and c.e.o. of Tree of Life, Inc., a national natural, organic and specialty distributor, will also join Nash Finch's board. He replaces Ron Marshall, who retired in March.
"After a thorough search, we strongly believe Alec is the ideal candidate to lead Nash Finch," said Allister P. Graham, Nash Finch's chairman, in a statement. "He is an industry veteran with tremendous depth and breadth of experience, and an exceptional track record of driving growth at a variety of food retailers and wholesalers. I look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen our competitive position in the industry and build a bright future for the company."
Having held numerous leadership positions at some of the most widely recognized brands in the industry, Covington has been at the helm of Tree of Life since 2004. He is also a member of the executive board of Tree of Life's parent corporation, Royal Wessanen NV, a multi-national food corporation based in the Netherlands. Under his leadership, Tree of Life strengthened its operations, enhanced its customer service capabilities and improved productivity and profitability.
From 2001-2004, he was president and c.e.o. of AmeriCold Logistics, a leading provider of supply chain solutions in the consumer packaged goods industry.
Commenting on his new post, Covington, also a former Supervalu and Richfood Holdings executive, said, "Nash Finch is a solid business with a powerful legacy of over 100 years of high quality service and industry leadership. I look forward to building on Nash Finch's rich tradition, as we work together to strengthen operations, continue to meet our customers' needs and deliver value to shareholders over the long-term."
Nash Finch's food distribution business serves independent retailers and military commissaries in 31 states, the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Iceland, the Azores and Honduras. The company also owns and operates supermarkets under the Econofoods, Family Thrift Center and Sun Mart banners.
Covington, 49, who most recently served as president and c.e.o. of Tree of Life, Inc., a national natural, organic and specialty distributor, will also join Nash Finch's board. He replaces Ron Marshall, who retired in March.
"After a thorough search, we strongly believe Alec is the ideal candidate to lead Nash Finch," said Allister P. Graham, Nash Finch's chairman, in a statement. "He is an industry veteran with tremendous depth and breadth of experience, and an exceptional track record of driving growth at a variety of food retailers and wholesalers. I look forward to working with him as we continue to strengthen our competitive position in the industry and build a bright future for the company."
Having held numerous leadership positions at some of the most widely recognized brands in the industry, Covington has been at the helm of Tree of Life since 2004. He is also a member of the executive board of Tree of Life's parent corporation, Royal Wessanen NV, a multi-national food corporation based in the Netherlands. Under his leadership, Tree of Life strengthened its operations, enhanced its customer service capabilities and improved productivity and profitability.
From 2001-2004, he was president and c.e.o. of AmeriCold Logistics, a leading provider of supply chain solutions in the consumer packaged goods industry.
Commenting on his new post, Covington, also a former Supervalu and Richfood Holdings executive, said, "Nash Finch is a solid business with a powerful legacy of over 100 years of high quality service and industry leadership. I look forward to building on Nash Finch's rich tradition, as we work together to strengthen operations, continue to meet our customers' needs and deliver value to shareholders over the long-term."
Nash Finch's food distribution business serves independent retailers and military commissaries in 31 states, the District of Columbia, Europe, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Iceland, the Azores and Honduras. The company also owns and operates supermarkets under the Econofoods, Family Thrift Center and Sun Mart banners.