Joe Kelley

Operations at a $12.2 billion cooperative

Joe Kelley became Chief Operating Officer of Associated Wholesale Grocers on May 4, 2026, according to the company's April 3 announcement. He oversees merchandising, procurement, distribution, sales, marketing and division support center operations, and the company ties the role to its strategic priorities of members, growth, productivity and people. Dan Funk is President and Chief Executive.^[1]

AWG describes itself as the largest US cooperative food wholesaler to independently owned supermarkets, serving 1,100 member companies and 3,500 locations in 33 states from nine support centers. It reports 2025 consolidated sales of $12.2 billion, a company-reported figure. Grocery Dive reported that AWG announced a $110 million investment in March 2026 to modernize its Gulf Coast distribution facility, before he started.^[1][2]

From deli clerk to division president

The company says Kelley began as a deli clerk in Boston. Grocery Dive reports he joined Kroger in 2019, served as president of its Texas unit and of King Soopers and City Market, and in April 2025 became senior vice president of retail divisions. AWG says that last role covered 11 divisions across the central and western United States.^[1][2]

Earlier he was president of Stop & Shop and chief executive of Marsh Supermarkets, and held senior roles at Albertsons, Price Chopper Supermarkets and Bozzuto's.^[1][2]

On The Executive List

Joe Kelley is ranked No. 87 on The Executive List (November 2026) in the Chief Operating Officers discipline. The ranking is The Executive Review's own editorial judgment (how we rank); it is not an outside award, and placement on the list is never sold. View the November 2026 edition.