Gordon Food Service announced today that Rich Wolowski, President and Chief Operating Officer, will succeed Jim Gordon as Chief Executive Officer, effective November 1, 2016. At that time, Wolowski will also join the Company’s Board of Directors.
Jim Gordon has been appointed Vice Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors, also effective November 1, 2016.
Gordon Food Service Board Chairman Dan Gordon expressed confidence in Wolowski. “Rich has earned the confidence of the people of our company, our customers and vendors, the board, and the entire Gordon family. He is the first non-family member to serve as CEO and we are very pleased to entrust leadership of the company to an outstanding servant leader.”
Wolowski has been with Gordon Food Service since 2004 and has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since 2013. Prior to serving in his present role, he held several key positions in the company, including Director of Program Sales, General Manager of the Central States Division, and Senior Manager of U.S. National Accounts and North American eBusiness. He also serves on the boards of International Foodservice Distributors Association, Markon, and Parental Care Ministries.
“Jim and I will continue to be very involved in the company in our respective roles as Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors. We have confidence in the senior leadership team in place and we anticipate no changes in how the company operates as a result of Rich’s and Jim’s role changes,” added Dan Gordon.
Commenting on Jim Gordon’s transition, Dan stated, “I want to extend a special congratulations and thank you to Jim for his decade of leadership as CEO of the company. The company has grown and prospered during this time, which is testimony to Jim’s dedication, hard work, and exemplary leadership.”
About Gordon Food Service
Since 1897, we have delivered uncompromising quality and heartfelt service for our customers. We began as a simple butter-and-egg delivery service, and have grown to become the largest family business in the foodservice industry by upholding the same approach for over 115 years—remaining passionately committed to the people we serve. Today, we serve foodservice operators in the Midwest, Northeast, Southeast, and Southwest regions of the United States and coast-to-coast in Canada. We also operate more than 170 Gordon Food Service Store® locations in the U.S., which are open to the public and provide restaurant-quality products and friendly, knowledgeable service without a membership fee. By partnering with organizations from across industries—healthcare to education, independent and chain restaurants, and event planners—we help our customers create food experiences that people choose, enjoy, and remember.
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