Sponsored By

C&S Wholesale Grocers names new supply chain chief

Former McKesson executive to join food distributor next week

Russell Redman

October 11, 2018

2 Min Read
Supermarket News logo in a gray background | Supermarket News

Distribution and logistics veteran Chris Smith is joining C&S Wholesale Grocers as chief supply chain officer.

C&S said Thursday that Smith is scheduled to start at the company Oct. 15. He succeeds Peter Fiore, executive vice president of distribution, who plans to retire at the end of 2018 after 26 years at C&S and over 40 years in the grocery industry.

In his new role, Smith will oversee all operations and transportation staff at C&S as well as work across the organization to improve the customer experience, according to the company, which is the biggest U.S. grocery wholesaler.

Chris_Smith_CS_Wholesale_Grocers.png“I’m thrilled to be joining the lead supply chain company in the food industry,” Smith (left) said in a statement. “The expertise of the C&S team is a valuable asset to independently owned retailers and national supermarket chains, and I look forward to working toward our mutual successes.”

Smith brings 25 years of distribution and supply chain experience to C&S. Most recently, he was senior vice president of the Northeast region at McKesson Corp., the nation’s largest distributor of pharmaceuticals and health care products. Other roles in his 13 years at McKesson include senior vice president of operations, vice president and general manager and vice president of distribution operations.

Prior to that, Smith had a 12-year career at The Home Depot, including positions as director of logistics and director of finance for the home improvement retailer.

“Smith is a hands-on leader who believes in supporting and coaching his team,” C&S CEO Mike Duffy stated. “His significant logistics experience and positive approach to leadership will be tremendous assets as we execute on future initiatives.”

Keene, N.H.-based C&S Wholesale Grocers supplies more than 14,000 independent grocery stores, supermarket chains, military bases and other institutions. The company said it carries over 140,000 products.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like