GMDC Adds Spartan Nonfoods Exec to Board
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -Nonfoods and health and wellness trade association Global Market Development Center (GMDC) yesterday said it nominated Karen Bakewell, director of GM/HBC merchandising for Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Spartan Stores, Inc. to its board of directors.
The nomination follows Bakewell's two-year tenure on GMDC's membership advisory board, the trade group said.
"Karen brings an impressive general merchandise (GM) and health beauty wellness (HBW) level of experience at not only the wholesale level but the retail level as well," said David McConnell, GMDC president. "She will provide GMDC with additional thought leadership in both areas."
Bakewell began her career as an owner/operator of an independent meat market in the early 80's. She sold the market when she was hired by The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, where she worked for two decades, starting as a meat clerk and progressing through the management ranks until joining Kroger's corporate team as seasonal coordinator.
In the summer of 2004, she accepted her current position as director of GM/HBC merchandising for Spartan. Her responsibilities there are leading and directing all category areas of GM/HBC, GM/HBC category management, and a full service GM/HBC sales team.
Spartan Stores operates 54 supermarkets under the Glen's and Family Fare banners and 19 Pharm Discount Drugs in the retail arena. Its wholesale division serves approximately 400 independent grocers in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
GMDC is a global trade association representing nonfoods retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers.
The nomination follows Bakewell's two-year tenure on GMDC's membership advisory board, the trade group said.
"Karen brings an impressive general merchandise (GM) and health beauty wellness (HBW) level of experience at not only the wholesale level but the retail level as well," said David McConnell, GMDC president. "She will provide GMDC with additional thought leadership in both areas."
Bakewell began her career as an owner/operator of an independent meat market in the early 80's. She sold the market when she was hired by The Kroger Co., Cincinnati, where she worked for two decades, starting as a meat clerk and progressing through the management ranks until joining Kroger's corporate team as seasonal coordinator.
In the summer of 2004, she accepted her current position as director of GM/HBC merchandising for Spartan. Her responsibilities there are leading and directing all category areas of GM/HBC, GM/HBC category management, and a full service GM/HBC sales team.
Spartan Stores operates 54 supermarkets under the Glen's and Family Fare banners and 19 Pharm Discount Drugs in the retail arena. Its wholesale division serves approximately 400 independent grocers in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
GMDC is a global trade association representing nonfoods retailers, wholesalers, and suppliers.