HAMMOND, IN - Strack & Van Til has named Ken Diehl the new President and CEO of its retail operations. Diehl, a 29 year industry veteran who previously served as EVP and Chief Merchandising and Marketing Officer for A&P, will be taking over for longtime Strack & Van Til President Dave Wilkinson. Dave announced his retirement last August.
"Ken Diehl has an excellent track record in operations, sales, and merchandising and particularly in identifying means of improving efficiency and consumer engagement in our industry," Central Grocers President and CEO Ken Nemeth said. "His background provides Strack and Van Til the opportunity to enhance the success that was built by Dave Wilkinson during his tenure with the chain."
In his new position, Ken will look to build on the work done by Dave Wilkinson, who saw the retailer's revenue nearly triple since 1998 as business expanded and new stores were build and acquired. The Times of Northwest Indiana notes that in 2012 alone, Strack & Van Til added seven WiseWay and PayLo stores from WiseWay Supermarkets. A veteran of the U.S. military, Ken revealed that he was excited to take on these challenges.
"My family and I are very excited to be returning to the Indiana-Illinois market," he shared in the Times of Northwest Indiana. "I appreciate the confidence shown in me by Ken Nemeth and the Strack & Van Til Board. I have competed against their stores in the past and I recognize the excellent reputation they have built through outstanding merchandising and operations. I look forward to getting to know the employees and doing my part to lead the chain to even greater heights in a very competitive market."
Before his work with A&P, Ken served in a variety of roles in the retail industry, working for Albertson’s and NAI’s Jewel Osco as Director of Grocery Sales, Director of Marketing and Merchandising, Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising and Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Merchandising and its Lead Merchant. He will bring this wealth of experience with him to Strack & Van Til in running its retail operations.
Congratulations on the new position, Ken!
