CFIG appoints FCL's Ron Welke as its new president and CEO

The Canadian Federation of Independent Grocers (CFIG) has appointed Ron Welke as its new president and CEO.

He succeeds Tom Shurrie, who will act as an advisor to Welke and the board of directors until the end of this year.

Welke joins the organization from Federated Co-operatives Ltd. (FCL), where he spent 32 years, most recently serving as the associate vice president of food. In that role, he led all aspects of both Co-op’s food and independent businesses, as well as pharmacy, liquor and convenience business units.

He was previously a board member of Ecobain Naturals and Mother Labs and served on CFIG’s board of directors from 2013 to 2022, including two years as chairperson (2019 to 2021).

Welke steps into the role on August 1.