IGA appoints new senior director of branding and business development
IGA appoints new senior director of branding and business development
IGA in Chicago has announced that James J. Walz has been named senior director of branding and business development.
Mr. Walz, who begins his appointment immediately, will report directly to IGA Vice President and U.S. Chief Growth Officer Doug Fritsch.
Mr. Walz begins his tenure with IGA in what is anticipated to be an intensively strong growth period. Utilizing his many years of experience, Mr. Walz will manage and enhance development of IGA branding programs, which will address the needs of existing IGA retailers and increase the number of "IGA" branded retail locations.
Mr. Walz began his career in the food industry in 1976 with the White Hen Pantry division as a store counselor and merchandizing specialist. Over the following 25 years, he advanced steadily in the White Hen corporation, holding positions ranging from regional management to director of franchise and training, and ultimately, to senior director of store automation. Since 2002, Mr. Walz was affiliated with FranNet, a leading franchise consulting firm and referral network organization. He obtained his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
Jim Walz brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this new position at IGA, Mr. Fritsch said. His accomplishments at White Hen Pantry are well known to me in my former capacities with that same corporation. There is no doubt that his extensive knowledge of development and branding will serve all of IGA's current retailers in their desire to find new ways to grow. He will also play an instrumental role in expanding our IGA banner in both existing and in new markets. Having worked with Jim in the past years, I can enthusiastically say that I am excited to have him on board with our team as we embark on this upcoming period of strong growth.
I was impressed with the full range of roles [Mr.] Walz held in his long tenure with White Hen, and the insight that experience has given him into every aspect of the retail business, said IGA Coca-Cola Institute President Paulo Goelzer. [Mr.] Walz has extensive experience in program development, including the design of programs that assist retailers in implementing better controls, as well as improving productivity and increasing sales. He will make a sterling contribution to the mission of our institute.
With the approach of IGAs 80th anniversary, I am elated to serve the historic goals of this powerful Hometown Proud alliance, said Mr. Walz. Strengthening and expanding the 'IGA brand as a whole will energize sales for our IGA retailers while at the same time enticing more potential stores to adopt the IGA banner. I am eager to find new ways to meet the needs of IGA retailers in their demand to improve services for the customers and communities they serve.
Mr. Walz, who begins his appointment immediately, will report directly to IGA Vice President and U.S. Chief Growth Officer Doug Fritsch.
Mr. Walz begins his tenure with IGA in what is anticipated to be an intensively strong growth period. Utilizing his many years of experience, Mr. Walz will manage and enhance development of IGA branding programs, which will address the needs of existing IGA retailers and increase the number of "IGA" branded retail locations.
Mr. Walz began his career in the food industry in 1976 with the White Hen Pantry division as a store counselor and merchandizing specialist. Over the following 25 years, he advanced steadily in the White Hen corporation, holding positions ranging from regional management to director of franchise and training, and ultimately, to senior director of store automation. Since 2002, Mr. Walz was affiliated with FranNet, a leading franchise consulting firm and referral network organization. He obtained his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI.
Jim Walz brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to this new position at IGA, Mr. Fritsch said. His accomplishments at White Hen Pantry are well known to me in my former capacities with that same corporation. There is no doubt that his extensive knowledge of development and branding will serve all of IGA's current retailers in their desire to find new ways to grow. He will also play an instrumental role in expanding our IGA banner in both existing and in new markets. Having worked with Jim in the past years, I can enthusiastically say that I am excited to have him on board with our team as we embark on this upcoming period of strong growth.
I was impressed with the full range of roles [Mr.] Walz held in his long tenure with White Hen, and the insight that experience has given him into every aspect of the retail business, said IGA Coca-Cola Institute President Paulo Goelzer. [Mr.] Walz has extensive experience in program development, including the design of programs that assist retailers in implementing better controls, as well as improving productivity and increasing sales. He will make a sterling contribution to the mission of our institute.
With the approach of IGAs 80th anniversary, I am elated to serve the historic goals of this powerful Hometown Proud alliance, said Mr. Walz. Strengthening and expanding the 'IGA brand as a whole will energize sales for our IGA retailers while at the same time enticing more potential stores to adopt the IGA banner. I am eager to find new ways to meet the needs of IGA retailers in their demand to improve services for the customers and communities they serve.
