Batenic Takes IGA, Inc. CEO Reins; Haggai Continues as Chairman
Mark Batenic, IGA USA’s CEO, is assuming the additional roles of president and CEO of IGA, Inc., and CEO of IGA Global, positions formerly held by Dr. Thomas Haggai. Batenic, who was unanimously elected to the new positions by the IGA, Inc., board of directors, will retain his previous responsibilities related to the domestic operations of 1,220 IGA USA stores, and add to those the responsibilities related to IGA’s global operations.
Haggai retains his position as chairman of IGA, Inc., and will serve as a brand ambassador for IGA in China. He also remains as chairman of the board of the IGA Coca-Cola Institute, IGA’s center for learning and research.
Haggai’s career with IGA began in 1972, when the Southern Baptist minister and renowned international speaker became the first non-wholesale food executive elected to the IGA board. In 1976, Haggai became chairman of the board, and chairman and CEO of IGA Inc., in 1986. In late 2006, Mark Batenic, former EVP/COO of Kulpsville, Pa.-based Clemens Markets, joined IGA USA to head its domestic operations as CEO. At that time Haggai shifted his focus to operations within IGA Global, retaining his position as chairman and CEO of IGA, Inc.
“It has been my good fortune through the years to be surrounded by talented industry leaders who have worked to make sure IGA continues to thrive,” Haggai said. “In three short years, Mark Batenic has proven to be one of the most dedicated and skilled of all. He and the IGA team have made great strides, delivering on his promise to give IGA retailers the resources they need to elevate the status of the brand in IGA communities throughout the U.S. His accomplishments in the U.S. made it very easy for me to name him as my successor.”
For his part, Batenic expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in him by Haggai and the IGA board, and said he anticipates further progress while “working together with the IGA team around the world to fulfill our goal of making IGA the preferred brand of independents and regional chains here in the U.S. and globally.”
Chicago-based IGA is the world’s largest voluntary supermarket network, with aggregate worldwide retail sales of more than $21 billion per year. The alliance includes over 4,000 Hometown Proud Supermarkets worldwide, supported by 36 distribution companies and more than 55 major manufacturers, vendors and suppliers encompassing everything from grocery to equipment items. IGA has operations in 46 of the United States and more than 40 countries, commonwealths and territories on all six inhabited continents.
Haggai retains his position as chairman of IGA, Inc., and will serve as a brand ambassador for IGA in China. He also remains as chairman of the board of the IGA Coca-Cola Institute, IGA’s center for learning and research.
Haggai’s career with IGA began in 1972, when the Southern Baptist minister and renowned international speaker became the first non-wholesale food executive elected to the IGA board. In 1976, Haggai became chairman of the board, and chairman and CEO of IGA Inc., in 1986. In late 2006, Mark Batenic, former EVP/COO of Kulpsville, Pa.-based Clemens Markets, joined IGA USA to head its domestic operations as CEO. At that time Haggai shifted his focus to operations within IGA Global, retaining his position as chairman and CEO of IGA, Inc.
“It has been my good fortune through the years to be surrounded by talented industry leaders who have worked to make sure IGA continues to thrive,” Haggai said. “In three short years, Mark Batenic has proven to be one of the most dedicated and skilled of all. He and the IGA team have made great strides, delivering on his promise to give IGA retailers the resources they need to elevate the status of the brand in IGA communities throughout the U.S. His accomplishments in the U.S. made it very easy for me to name him as my successor.”
For his part, Batenic expressed gratitude for the confidence shown in him by Haggai and the IGA board, and said he anticipates further progress while “working together with the IGA team around the world to fulfill our goal of making IGA the preferred brand of independents and regional chains here in the U.S. and globally.”
Chicago-based IGA is the world’s largest voluntary supermarket network, with aggregate worldwide retail sales of more than $21 billion per year. The alliance includes over 4,000 Hometown Proud Supermarkets worldwide, supported by 36 distribution companies and more than 55 major manufacturers, vendors and suppliers encompassing everything from grocery to equipment items. IGA has operations in 46 of the United States and more than 40 countries, commonwealths and territories on all six inhabited continents.