Hy-Vee Exec to Chair Iowa Trade Group

Karl Kruse, EVP of supply chain for West Des Moines, Iowa-based supermarket chain Hy-Vee Inc., has been elected board chairman of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association.

With Hy-Vee for more than a decade, Kruse succeeds Aaron Irlbeck, SVP of wholesale purchasing for Boone, Iowa-based Fareway Stores Inc. Irlbeck has served on the board for the past nine years; his term as a board member expires in 2019.

"It is an honor to welcome Karl Kruse to chair the IGIA board," said IGIA President Michelle Hurd. "Karl is a highly respected leader in the grocery industry and brings with him extensive retail expertise and executive management to IGIA’s board. IGIA looks forward to another great year of outstanding accomplishments under his leadership.”

Kruse previously served on the IGIA board from 2005 to 2006; he joined the board again in 2011 and moved through the ranks of treasurer, second vice chairman and first vice chairman. He has played a key role in the association, serving on the IGIA scholarship golf, convention, and ambassadors committees, as well as serving on the IGIA executive committee since 2014.

Throughout his Hy-Vee career, Kruse has been looked to as an expert in the areas of procurement and distribution. In 2011, he was chosen to lead the procurement department. In 2013, he was promoted to SVP of procurement, and in 2014 was named SVP of supply chain. Kruse was promoted again in October 2016 to his current position, in which he oversees all procurement and distribution as they continue to expand.

His work in the supply chain area has brought forth keen insights, improved analytics and greater productivity through Hy-Vee’s warehouse and transportation operations. Under his leadership, Hy-Vee has begun implementing a new warehouse management system that is increasing efficiencies and optimizing the flow of goods, as well as providing enhanced traceability.

Prior to joining Hy-Vee, Kruse had a 20-year career at Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart, taking on various roles in store operations.

Kruse assumed his role as chairman at the association’s annual meeting, held during the IGIA Get Connected Convention on July 11-13.

Urbandale, Iowa-based IGIA includes chain and independent supermarkets, convenience stores, mass merchandisers, wholesalers, brokers, manufacturers, and distributors. 
 

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