PG People

Niemann Foods names c.e.o.

The mantle of c.e.o. at Quincy, Ill.-based Niemann Foods, Inc. has been passed to Rich Niemann Jr. His predecessor and father, Rich Niemann Sr., will continue to serve as chairman of the board of directors at the well-regarded independently owned chain.

Niemann Jr. joined the company as development project coordinator in 1977. He went on to become general manager, and in 1994 was appointed president and c.o.o. Under his leadership the company expanded its retail operations from 22 to 64 stores. NFI's retail banners include County Market, Cub Foods, Save-A-Lot, and County Market Express.

AG New England appoints execs

Associated Grocers of New England, the largest retailer-owned wholesale grocery distributor in the region, has tapped several industry veterans to enhance its competitive position.

The company's new retail director, grocery merchandising veteran Curt O'Hara, will oversee the sale and development of new and existing retail marketing, merchandising, and pricing programs at AG New England. O'Hara was formerly merchandising manager at independent operator J&T Enterprises.

James Allen, a former General Mills/Pillsbury territory manager and onetime Supervalu bakery/deli director, will manage AG New England's deli/bakery purchasing. "Jim's twin talents for managing a territory and a bakery/deli department combine perfectly in his new position," notes Rick Wheeler, v.p. of wholesale merchandising and procurement.