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Hy-Vee names Casey Decker as new CIO

Appointment comes with shift of Matt Ludwig to chief supply chain officer

Russell Redman

October 21, 2020

2 Min Read
Hy-Vee supermarket-exterior.jpg
In his new role, Casey Decker will lead Hy-Vee’s IT strategy and oversee all information systems and staff and technology operations, as well as digital initiatives.Hy-Vee

Casey Decker has joined Midwestern grocer Hy-Vee as chief information officer, taking over from Matt Ludwig.

Hy-Vee said Wednesday that Decker comes to the company after more than 16 years at FBL Financial Group. Operating under the consumer brand Farm Bureau Financial Services, West Des Moines, Iowa-based FBL provides financial products distributed by Farm Bureau agents. 

Casey Decker-HyVee CIO.jpgCasey Decker, Hy-Vee's new chief information officer (Photo courtesy of Hy-Vee)

In his new role, Decker will lead Hy-Vee’s IT strategy and oversee all information systems and staff and technology operations. The retailer said he also will spearhead innovation and initiatives for its online and digital channels.

Hy-Vee noted that last year Decker was recognized as CIO of the Year from the Technology Association of Iowa. He also serves on the board of directors for the Food Bank of Iowa and Junior Achievement of Central Iowa. 

“Having the opportunity to secure the caliber of talent that Casey brings is instrumental as we continue to implement our innovations,” Randy Edeker, chairman, president and CEO of Hy-Vee, said in a statement. “As we take our technology solutions to the next level to help make our customers’ lives easier, healthier and happier, we know that Casey’s experience is crucial. Casey’s skill set and knowledge in IT is exactly what the company needs as we work to become the best place to work and shop in America.”

Related:Hy-Vee expands drive-up COVID-19 tests to over 150 pharmacies

The CIO post became open in September after Ludwig transitioned to a new position as executive vice president and chief supply chain officer, overseeing Hy-Vee’s supply chain. He had served as chief information officer since 2015. Ludwig started his career at Hy-Vee in 1987 and has held a range of positions at the company, including store director, assistant vice president of operations, and vice president of merchandising and advertising.

Overall, Hy-Vee operates more than 275 food and drug stores in Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

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

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