GMDC Welcomes 11 Retail Execs to 2017 Board

The Global Market Development Center (GMDC) has installed its 2017 board of directors, which comprises various industry leaders who advance the association’s mission to inspire trading partners to connect, collaborate and create innovative growth in the general merchandise and health beauty and wellness industries.

“As our organization continues to engage on the leading edge of a constantly transforming and disrupted marketplace, we are pleased to have industry leaders and experts who are positioning GMDC for future innovation – driving consumer insights and strategic merchandising while delivering profitable change as a result,” said Patrick Spear, president/CEO of olorado Springs, Colo.-based GMDC.

The newly appointed directors are:

• Rick Cicero, senior director of merchandising, C&S Wholesale Grocers

• John Gehre, VP/GMM, general merchandise, global sourcing and front end, H-E-B

• Joanne Leonardi, business unit lead for general merchandise/health and beauty care/nonfoods, Topco Associates LLC

• Reilly Murray, president, L&R Distributers

• Michael O’Shell, executive director of center store sales and marketing, Rouse’s Enterprises LLC

• Michael Petocchi, business group manager of health and beauty care and cosmetics, Wegmans Food Markets

• Chris Skyers, VP of health and beauty care, Wakefern Food Corp.

• Dave Sutton, president, Valu Merchandisers Co.

• Cheri Taylor, director of retail merchandising, Kinney Drugs

• Mitch Terry, VP of sales and merchandising general merchandise/health and beauty care, Associated Grocers of Florida

Additionally, Raymond Schrumpf, SVP, health and beauty care, C&S Wholesale Grocers, will serve as past board chairman.