Wakefern hires Erik Keptner as Senior Vice President of Marketing

Supermarket industry veteran Erik Keptner was named Senior Vice President of Marketing for Wakefern Food Corp., that has member companies under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer and Dearborn Market banners.

Keptner brings nearly 20 years of experience to his new role at Wakefern, where he will develop marketing and merchandising strategies that build upon the company’s rich legacy of successful retail brands.

He previously worked as Senior Vice President of Sales, Merchandising and Marketing for the Giant Food Stores division of Ahold Delhaize and officially moved into his new position on July 9. He will oversee Wakefern’s Digital Commerce and Analytics, Advertising, Corporate Merchandising, Private Label and Own Brand and Social Media and Digital Advertising divisions and report directly to Wakefern Executive Vice President Chris Lane.

“Erik came up in the grocery business at a pivotal time for the industry, and throughout his career has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to implementing consumer centric marketing and merchandising strategies,” said Lane. “He’s a proven leader, and we are very excited to welcome him to the Wakefern team,” he added.

“Wakefern has a long history as a respected industry leader. I look forward to joining the team and working with the 50 cooperative member families that make up this esteemed retailer,” said Keptner.

A graduate of Pennsylvania State University, Keptner received his Master of Business Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia.