Dan Funk, Associated Wholesale Grocers

Dan Funk is president and chief executive officer of Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), a cooperative formed a century ago in Kansas City to help hometown grocers compete and grow by consolidating their buying and advertising power.

“Everything we do is rooted in our mission to provide our member retailers all the tools, products and services they need to compete favorably in all markets served,” says Funk. “When our members succeed, AWG succeeds, and the communities they serve are stronger as a result.”

Funk joined AWG in 2012 and was promoted to his current role in 2023. In the intervening years, he served the organization in leadership positions including president of its Valu Merchandisers Co. subsidiary, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing; chief supply chain officer; and chief operating officer. 

“As we celebrate AWG’s 100th anniversary, I’m especially focused on honoring the cooperative principles that have guided us for a century while positioning the organization for its next 100 years,” Funk says. “Independent grocers founded this cooperative on the belief that they are stronger together, and that spirit continues to drive our work today. Our responsibility is to help Main Street grocers remain competitive, profitable and locally owned in an increasingly complex retail environment.”

Under his leadership, AWG is investing in innovation, technology and operational excellence. Funk cites an upgrade of a warehouse management system and a Gulf Coast automation project as investments that will improve efficiency and create value for members.