After years of operating robust and successful retail divisions, Affinity Group Infusion and Affinity Group FMS will be merged into a single retail-focused entity: Affinity Group Retail. To lead this business, industry veteran Bill Chiodo has been selected as president, Affinity Group Retail.
Affinity Group Retail has named Bill Chiodo its new president. In his new position, he will oversee the merger and all aspects of the organization’s retail, fresh food, convenience store and e-commerce strategies and operations. Key responsibilities will include crafting an updated long-range strategic plan outlining both organic and external business growth opportunities including acquisitions and channel/segment expansion. Chiodo will also provide leadership and direction for segment business development including client and customer support, and sales and marketing execution.
“We are excited about building upon our current retail position, and are thrilled to have someone of Bill’s caliber and experience to not only lead the business day-to-day, but also collaborate with me on client and customer development as well as charting our future growth. With the evolving landscape in the channel, his expertise will prove valuable as we compete for share of stomach with our multi-channel sales approach that provides the customer with a more integrated experience,” said Enzo Dentico, chairman of Affinity Group, LLC.
Chiodo began his career in 1983 as part of a family food brokerage business serving Upstate New York. In 1994, the family business was sold to Boston based Morris Alper, creating at the time one of the largest retail sales agencies in the Northeast. Chiodo was named a partner at Morris Alper and served as president of the Upstate New York Division. In 1996, Morris Alper acquired several agencies across the mid-Atlantic region, and became MAI Companies where Chiodo was appointed president of MAI – Northeast Division. MAI was acquired by Acosta in 1999, creating the first national retail agency. For Acosta, Chiodo progressed through several positions, overseeing Eastern Great Lakes division, then SVP, client services for the east region managing clients across all departments. In 2011, he was promoted to EVP, grocery sales east, where he managed Acosta’s East Coast business for the grocery, club, and drug divisions.
In response to this appointment, Chiodo said, “I’m am very excited to be joining Affinity Group and working with Enzo to further develop and grow the retail and fresh food business. Affinity Group is well positioned to accelerate its current growth with a talented and experienced leadership team, and as the premier local market leader with training and systems that are second to none. I am impressed with Affinity Group’s focus on talent, execution and results, and believe the foundation is in place for continued growth and success. With the opportunity to build on the plans currently in place and with respect to the challenges in the industry, I firmly believe Affinity Group is well positioned with a strong model to be the best at serving clients and customers.”
Chiodo is a graduate of the University of Buffalo and currently resides with his wife Kim in Clarence, NY.
JOH adds Patricia Wonderly
JOH has announced that Patricia “Trish” Wonderly has joined the Metro division as an account manager.
Wonderly joins JOH with 20 years of experience, most recently with Advantage Solutions. She has worked on various client accounts, including Alcon, DeMert Brands, Goody Products, Helene Curtis, High Ridge Brands, Merck Consumer Care, Newell Rubbermaid, Philips Norelco and Vogue International. She has also worked with various customers, including: Ahold, C&S Wholesale, Cardinal Health, Kinney Drug and Weis Markets.
“We are thrilled to have someone with Trish’s background and experience on our team,” said Doug Parker, VP, JOH Metro division. “She will be handling our HBC business at Giant Carlisle, Weis Markets and Rite Aid and will be a great asset to our clients and customers. We are excited to have her continue her career with us.”
Wonderly will be reporting to Doug Parker
Ex-NJ Lt. Gov. joins Fulfill
Former New Jersey Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno has joined Fulfill as its new CEO and president, the organization formerly known as the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties has announced.
Guadagno, who served as lieutenant governor under Gov. Chris Christie from 2010 to 2018, will lead Fulfill’s efforts to alleviate hunger and build food security in Monmouth and Ocean counties.
“Our mission is driven by a desire to help those who have fallen on hard times,” Jeremy Grunin, chair of Fulfill’s board of trustees, said in a prepared statement. “In searching for a new CEO, we wanted someone with an established history of charitable giving and involvement; extensive connections that could bring new resources to the organization; and who could help bring greater attention to Fulfill and its programs so we can serve as a model for other nonprofits statewide.
“We have found that, and more, in Lt. Gov. Guadagno.”
Guadagno, who has been a partner with Roseland-based Connell Foley for the past year, will continue in her role with the law firm — which has represented Fulfill for decades, the organization noted.
“As Fulfill’s CEO, I plan to bring a voice to the growing number of our neighbors who do not know where their next meal will come from,” Guadagno said in a statement. “Over the next few months, I hope to reach every corner of Monmouth and Ocean counties to raise awareness of the problem of hunger in our own backyard and to raise awareness of the services Fulfill provides to try to solve the problem.
“No child should ever go to bed not knowing where his or her next meal will come from. No parent should ever struggle to put food on their table.”
Guadagno has been a Monmouth County resident for almost 30 years, including serving as county sheriff among other government roles.
“In selecting Kim Guadagno as their new president and CEO, Fulfill has found the perfect person to lead their fight against hunger,” New Jersey Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Tom Bracken said in a statement. “Her experience and business expertise make her uniquely qualified to highlight and bring even greater attention to the organization and its goal of helping the people of Monmouth and Ocean counties.”
Fulfill has a network of 300 food pantries and kitchens, as well as a culinary arts training program, among other services.
“We are excited to continue our work with New Jersey’s first lieutenant governor as the new president and CEO of Fulfill,” New Jersey Food Council CEO and President Linda Doherty said in a statement. “We know of Kim Guadagno’s deep personal commitment to this organization and those in need in Monmouth and Ocean counties. She will be a fierce advocate, strong ally and effective leader for Fulfill, and we stand ready to work together and continue to fight food insecurity in communities throughout the region.”
