United Natural Foods Inc. announced the promotion of Steve Dietz to the newly created role of chief customer officer, effective Oct. 1. In this new role, Dietz will be responsible for overseeing UNFI’s sales efforts throughout the United States and Canada.

The Southeast Produce Council has added Clark Roper to its team. Roper will focus on adding value to SEPC and its members by supporting produce farmers, suppliers, buyers and consumers, and fostering positive and productive relationships with current and prospective SEPC members.  

Associated Wholesale Grocers Inc. announced Jeff Pedersen, executive vice president and chief sales and support officer, is retiring after 45 years in the grocery business, effective December. Emile Breaux will succeed Pedersen in the role of senior vice president of sales and member support, effective Sept. 20.

Vertically integrated grower-shipper Tanimura & Antle hired Vince Mier as senior sales account manager.  Mier joins the company with nearly 20 years of fresh produce sales experience in developing and managing national and regional sales accounts.   

Ahold Delhaize announced that Dave Bass will be appointed managing director of FreshDirect, effective Sept. 20. He succeeds Farhan Siddiqi, chief digital officer of Ahold Delhaize, who has served as interim CEO since May. Siddiqi has decided to leave the company, as of Oct. 15.

Publix Super Markets announced the promotion of John Goff to senior vice president of retail operations, effective Jan. 1, 2022. With Goff’s promotion, Regional Director Matt Crawley will be named Miami division vice president.

Goff began his career in 1991 as a front service clerk in Jacksonville, FL. He worked in various positions before being promoted to store manager in 2005. He was promoted to Jacksonville division district manager in 2010, Miami division regional director in 2014 and Miami division vice president in 2019.