Wakefern Food Executive and Leadership Team

Leonard Sitar, the President, ShopRite of Carteret at Wakefern Food, manages high-volume retail operations within the cooperative framework. Sitar oversees daily store management, labor allocation, and local community engagement to ensure operational excellence. By implementing standardized service protocols, the President, ShopRite of Carteret maintains the high quality of the brand while preserving the unique identity of the local store. This leadership role involves managing complex inventory logistics and ensuring compliance with corporate safety and quality standards. Leonard Sitar drives local market growth by tailoring product assortments to meet the specific needs of the surrounding community. Through effective team leadership and operational oversight, Sitar optimizes store performance and enhances customer loyalty. By balancing local autonomy with the broader cooperative mission, the President, ShopRite of Carteret contributes to the overall success of the enterprise, demonstrating the effectiveness of the retailer-owned model in a competitive grocery environment.

John Jantson, the Chief Information Officer at Wakefern Food, directs the digital transformation of the cooperative retail model. Jantson architects scalable cloud infrastructure and data analytics platforms to support independent grocers across North American markets. By modernizing supply chain software, the Chief Information Officer ensures seamless integration between centralized procurement systems and individual store operations. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to prioritize cybersecurity and operational efficiency. Through the implementation of advanced retail technology, John Jantson optimizes inventory management and enhances the consumer shopping experience. Jantson maintains a focus on long-term digital sustainability, ensuring that all member companies possess the tools necessary to compete against national supermarket chains. By leveraging data-driven insights, the Chief Information Officer drives significant improvements in logistics performance and overall organizational agility, securing the technological foundation for the entire cooperative network.

Darren Caudill, the Chief Sales Officer at Wakefern Food, executes comprehensive sales strategies to maximize revenue for the cooperative. Caudill oversees regional market expansion and manages relationships with key wholesale partners to ensure competitive pricing for member stores. By analyzing consumer purchasing trends, the Chief Sales Officer designs promotional programs that drive foot traffic and increase basket size across diverse retail banners. This leadership role requires close coordination with procurement teams to align product availability with shifting market demands. Darren Caudill monitors sales performance metrics to identify growth opportunities and mitigate competitive threats in the grocery sector. Through the development of robust sales channels, Caudill strengthens the market position of independent grocers. By fostering strong partnerships with suppliers and retailers, the Chief Sales Officer ensures consistent growth and profitability, ultimately reinforcing the cooperative advantage that defines the organization within the broader retail landscape.

Karen Meleta, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) at Wakefern Food, directs all internal and external messaging to protect and enhance the corporate reputation. Meleta architects comprehensive communication strategies that highlight the cooperative structure and the value provided to independent grocers. By managing public relations and stakeholder engagement, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) ensures alignment between corporate initiatives and member expectations. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that emphasize the organization's commitment to community ties and local ownership. Karen Meleta oversees crisis management and brand positioning, ensuring consistent messaging across all regional operations. Through the development of transparent communication channels, Meleta fosters trust among members, employees, and the public. By articulating the strategic vision of the cooperative, the Chief Communications Officer (Cco) supports long-term growth and brand equity, ensuring that the unique identity of the organization remains clear and compelling within the highly competitive supermarket industry.