Retail Marketing Group (RMG) recently announced that Mark Merrill has joined the company as category manager, replacing Joe Cunnane who is retiring at the end of the year.
Merrill has had a long career in the retail food industry, beginning at Shoppers and continuing for 19 years with Supervalu at the Shoppers, Cub Foods and Farm Fresh divisions in senior management positions. He spent two years with UNFI as the VP of corporate development and innovation. The last year years have taken him from Amazon to DiBruno Brothers and AWG in Nashville where he was VP and division manager. Most recently, Merrill served as VP of operations at Village Supermarkets.
Bill Gable, general manager of RMG, said, “Mark’s outstanding experience working with independent retailers and the vendor/ broker community will be a huge positive on continuing RMG’s experience in servicing our members and providing the support they expect as we do business in this very competitive marketplace.”
Krasdale Foods recently announced that Liz Peralta-Foxwell has joined the company as director of sales for the independent channel. In this role, Peralta-Foxwell will lead the field sales team and bring extensive experience in independent retail, fintech and community-based entrepreneurship.
“Liz brings a combination of strategic insight and deep community connection,” said Cynthia Ramos, chief sales and customer officer at Krasdale, whom Peralta-Foxwell will report to. “Her experience and values align with our mission, and I’m confident she’ll make an immediate impact.”
Peralta-Foxwell has held executive roles at Dappersmith Consulting and Feed Forward US, where she led national B2B sales operations, go-to-market strategies and multimillion-dollar pipelines. She previously served as executive director of the National Supermarket Association, where she oversaw public affairs and technology modernization for more than 400 grocers. Her work helped prepare retailers for SNAP, EBT and delivery-platform integration while expanding the association’s reach through partnerships with bodegas and community organizations.
“This is a full-circle moment for me,” Peralta-Foxwell said. “I’m stepping into an industry I’ve known deeply since I was a kid, where food, service and showing up for the little guy weren’t just values – they were a way of life. Krasdale has always been more than a leading wholesaler; it’s been part of my family’s story and a steady force in my community. Working alongside some of the smartest, most mission-driven people in the business isn’t just an honor – it feels like home.”
Peralta-Foxwell will work closely with the director of sales for the program channel. Her appointment supports the department’s continued evolution under the strategic leadership of Gus Lebiak.
Sheetz has announced the retirement of long-time employee and board member Ray Ryan. Since joining the board of directors in 2019, Ryan has provided invaluable guidance and strategic insights, drawing on more than four decades of his dedicated work across various departments at Sheetz.
Dave Woodley has been named to the board of to succeed Ryan. Woodley, who has worked for Sheetz since 1983, most recently served as executive vice president of marketing. He began his career at Sheetz as a part-time third-shift salesperson and steadily advanced his way to management roles within the company. After serving as director of regional operations, he was promoted to lead Sheetz’s sales and marketing department.
Before his retirement and transition to Sheetz’s board of directors, Ryan served as Executive vice president of distribution services for the company. He began his career with Sheetz in 1977 as a store manager and went on to hold positions across various departments over his career, including security, operations, marketing, and distribution.
“It’s impossible to overstate the impact Ray has had on our business,” said Travis Sheetz, president and CEO of Sheetz. “His guidance on the board of directors and his trailblazing spirit are evident across our brand and will continue to shape Sheetz for years to come. Our entire team extends our warmest wishes to Ray and his family for a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.”
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dave’s exceptional leadership and deep understanding of Sheetz’s business operations to our board,” said Joe Sheetz, chairman of the Sheetz board of directors. “With decades of experience driving innovative programs and shaping the Sheetz brand, he will provide the board with invaluable insight as we continue to expand and enhance our business.”
JOH recently announced several personnel moves.
Tom Johnsen has joined the company as a business manager in its health, beauty and wellness division. He brings 15 years of retail experience to his new role with expertise in marketing and brand strategy, research and analytics, category management and product development. He has held leadership positions within a major national drug chain’s owned brands health and wellness group, serving as an associate brand manager for owned brand health and wellness and associate category manager on vitamins. Most recently, Johnsen managed the owned brand portfolio for first aid, eye/ear care and elastic Goods, driving strong sales growth and category performance.
“Tom has a wide range of results-driven experience in the retail industry,” said Kevin Tassinari, EVP-health, beauty and wellness. “His leadership and insight will be tremendous assets to our team. We’re proud to welcome him to the JOH family.”
Terri Templin has joined JOH as a senior client manager in the center store division, North Central region.
Templin joins the company with 24 years of food industry experience and a proven record of strategic leadership. She has held multiple business management roles, including positions with a national sales and marketing agency’s natural team, where she built strong partnerships with clients and customers. Most recently, as a senior business manager, she oversaw distributor accounts and led sales strategy and promotional execution for several top brands.
“Terri brings decades of leadership and experience to the JOH team,” said Frank Tuma, EVP, North Central region. “Her expertise in client relationships, sales growth and category development make her an ideal addition to our team. We’re proud to welcome her to JOH!”
Ted Breitowich has been promoted to executive vice president of specialty and natural, effective January 1, 2026. In his new role, Breitowich will oversee all operations of the specialty and natural division, continuing JOH’s tradition of leadership excellence and growth.
Breitowich, who joined JOH in 2015, brings more than 30 years of experience in the food industry, beginning at age 14 as a part-time grocery clerk. His early work across supermarkets and distributors laid the foundation for his career as a food broker.
Breitowich served as vice president of JOH’s specialty and natural team in the Metro and Mid-Atlantic regions for eight years before being promoted to senior vice president in 2024. He has helped grow the division through strategic partnerships, collaboration and a deep understanding of the industry. As EVP, he will continue to guide the division’s success across customers, clients and categories.
“Ted’s depth of experience and passion for delivering results make him an outstanding leader,” said Matt O’Hare, president and CEO of JOH. “His warmth and dedication to our clients, customers and teammates embody what JOH is all about. We’re thrilled to see him take on this role.”
As Breitowich steps into his new role, JOH proudly celebrates the career of Jim Walsh, whose leadership and dedication have been instrumental in growing the division. He will retire at the end of June 2026, ensuring a smooth transition. “We thank him for his many contributions and wish him a well-deserved and happy retirement.
