Wakefern Food Executive and Leadership Team

Neil Falcone, the Head Division Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services Department & Pricerite at Wakefern Food, manages the fiscal health of the financial services division and the PriceRite banner. Falcone oversees capital allocation and budgetary planning to ensure the cooperative maintains strong purchasing power. By analyzing market trends, the Head Division Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services Department & Pricerite optimizes pricing strategies that benefit independent member stores. This leadership role involves coordinating with the finance department to mitigate risks and maximize profitability across diverse retail segments. Neil Falcone drives financial transparency and accountability, ensuring that all fiscal operations align with the cooperative mission. Falcone monitors regional economic shifts to adjust financial models for maximum impact. Through rigorous oversight of the PriceRite division, the Head Division Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services Department & Pricerite secures the financial stability required for sustained growth in the competitive grocery sector.

Leonard Sitar, the President, ShopRite of Carteret at Wakefern Food, manages the daily operations and strategic direction of the specific retail location. Sitar oversees store-level performance, ensuring that the ShopRite banner maintains high standards of service and product quality. By implementing localized marketing strategies, the President, ShopRite of Carteret drives customer engagement and community loyalty. This leadership role involves managing staff development and operational workflows to maximize store efficiency. Leonard Sitar coordinates with the cooperative headquarters to leverage centralized procurement and logistics for the benefit of the local store. Sitar monitors inventory levels and sales data to optimize product assortment for the local market. Through the effective management of retail operations, the President, ShopRite of Carteret contributes to the overall success of the cooperative model. By focusing on customer satisfaction and operational excellence, Sitar ensures the store remains a vital part of the local grocery landscape.

John Jantson, the Chief Information Officer at Wakefern Food, directs the digital infrastructure supporting the cooperative retail network. Jantson architects scalable technology solutions that streamline procurement and logistics for independent grocers. By modernizing data systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration between centralized services and individual store operations. This leadership role involves overseeing cybersecurity protocols and enterprise software deployments to maintain operational efficiency across the entire supply chain. Jantson drives innovation by implementing advanced analytics tools that provide actionable insights for member companies. Through the optimization of digital platforms, the Chief Information Officer enhances the competitive position of the cooperative within the grocery industry. John Jantson maintains alignment with the board to ensure technology investments support long-term growth. By prioritizing robust system architecture, Jantson secures the technological foundation necessary for the continued success of the retail enterprise.

Darren Caudill, the Chief Sales Officer at Wakefern Food, architects the overarching sales strategy to expand market reach for the cooperative. Caudill directs initiatives that enhance the competitive advantage of member grocers through effective merchandising and promotional programs. By analyzing consumer behavior, the Chief Sales Officer identifies growth opportunities that strengthen the retail presence of the organization. This leadership role involves collaborating with procurement teams to ensure product availability meets shifting market demands. Darren Caudill drives revenue growth by implementing sales tactics that support the unique needs of independent store owners. Caudill oversees the execution of regional sales campaigns that bolster brand loyalty across the entire network. Through the strategic alignment of sales objectives with operational capabilities, the Chief Sales Officer ensures the cooperative remains a dominant force in the grocery industry. By fostering strong relationships with suppliers, Caudill secures favorable terms that benefit the entire membership.

Karen Meleta, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Wakefern Food, directs the internal and external messaging strategy for the cooperative. Meleta architects communication frameworks that articulate the value of the retailer-owned model to stakeholders and the public. By managing corporate reputation, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) ensures consistent brand messaging across all channels. This leadership role involves coordinating with executive leadership to address industry challenges and promote the cooperative mission. Karen Meleta drives engagement through strategic public relations initiatives that highlight the community impact of independent grocers. Meleta oversees crisis communication protocols to protect the integrity of the organization. Through the development of comprehensive communication plans, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) fosters transparency and trust among members and consumers. By aligning messaging with the strategic goals of the company, Meleta ensures that the cooperative identity remains clear and compelling in a crowded retail market.