Wakefern Names Chris Lane EVP

Chris Lane, SVP of product divisions at Keasbey, N.J.-based Wakefern Food Corp., has been promoted to EVP. In his new role, Lane will guide day-to-day operations and strategy planning for Wakefern.

“Our goal was to select an individual who would honor our past and, at the same time, challenge the status quo to ensure a bright future for Wakefern and our members,” said Joe Sheridan, president and COO of the co-op. “Chris is innovative, forward-thinking and willing to take the calculated risks required to navigate a challenging, competitive environment where emerging technologies and changing consumer preferences require us to be nimble and able to respond with urgency.”

Lane came to Wakefern in 2003 as VP of pharmacy and two years later added health and beauty care to his responsibilities. By 2008, he had become VP, grocery, direct store delivery and commercial bakery, and in 2011 he took on the role of SVP, nonperishables. In his most recent position, SVP of product divisions, he was responsible for Wakefern’s various procurement divisions, and also led health-and-wellness initiatives.

Before Wakefern, Lane was VP of pharmacy at New York-based drug store chain Duane Reade. He’s a member of the boards of directors of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores and Trinitas Regional Medical Center, in Elizabeth, N.J.

The largest U.S. retailer-owned cooperative, Wakefern consists of 50 member companies that own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer, PriceRite and Dearborn Market banners. The merchandising and distribution arm of those banners, Wakefern, together with its member companies, employs more than 70,000 people.

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