Speakers

Stuart Aitken

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Charlie Arnot

• Truth to Trust on January 22, 2026 3:30 PM

Spencer Baird

• Realizing Food Retail’s Potential as a Health Destination on January 23, 2026 8:25 AM

Spencer Baird is the CEO of Inmar Intelligence. He joined the company in May 2020 as Chief Transformation Officer and assumed the role of CEO in September 2022. Today, he leverages his extensive consumer packaged goods, retail and e-commerce expertise and passion for innovation to lead with a unique vision focused on making businesses smarter to improve consumers’ lives. Spencer has more than 20 years of executive leadership experience in grocery retail, e-commerce, and consumer packaged goods with some of the industry's best-known and most respected companies, including HJ Heinz, The Dannon Company, Kellogg Company, Ahold Delhaize, and Peapod (within Ahold Delhaize). Spencer is currently a member of the board of the Winston-Salem Alliance and Piedmont Triad Partnership, and was formerly a member of The Western Michigan University marketing program and the Fiduciary Committee for Ahold Delhaize US. 

Doug Baker

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Doug Baker is the vice president of industry relations at FMI, The Food Industry Association, a leading trade group for the grocery sector. He assists FMI's member communities in growing and thriving in various domains, such as private brands, technology, supply chain, and asset protection. He leads the Asset Protection Council, which strives to reduce merchandise loss and establish safe and healthy stores and workplaces, as well as the Technology Leadership Council, Supply Chain Council, Private Brands Council, and cross-industry efforts focused on transparency and data accuracy. Doug has more than 35 years of experience in food retail, working with Fry's Food Stores, Kraft/Nabisco, and Federated Foods in roles related to retail operations, consumer packaged goods, and private brand creation and marketing.

Mark Baum

• Winning the Agentic Consumer on January 23, 2026 9:00 AM

Mark Baum currently serves as Senior Vice President of Industry Relations and Chief Collaboration Officer for FMI. In this role, Baum engages retailer, manufacturer, supplier, and service provider CEOs to further trading partner collaboration, leading to operational improvements and growth opportunities across all segments of the food retail supply chain. Prior to joining FMI, Baum was a Managing Partner of MARCAT Group, LLC a consulting/advisory firm specializing in business, market, channel, and customer development. Baum is known for his intricate knowledge of every aspect of the food, beverage and related businesses, and is recognized among the foremost experts in the design, management, and execution of strategy, sales, marketing, and merchandising activities throughout the industry.

Mateo Beacco

• Stronger Together: Retail–Supplier Synergy for the Next Era of Grocery on January 22, 2026 4:30 PM

Mateo Beacco is the General Manager of Relex Fresh, the fresh food arm of RELEX Solutions. Former founder and CEO of Ida, acquired by RELEX in 2025, he has spent the past years building AI-powered systems to fix replenishment problems in grocery retail. His focus: predictable availability, less waste, and healthier supply chains at scale. He works with global retailers across Europe and North America on forecasting, store ordering, supplier allocation, and fresh production planning. Before Ida, he studied at HEC Paris and worked across software, data and operations. He now leads product, go-to-market and partnerships for Relex Fresh.

Brad Bogolea

• From Real-Time Visibility to Predictive Retail: How Grocers Are Digitizing the Store on January 22, 2026 3:00 PM

Brad Bogolea is the CEO and Co-Founder of Simbe Robotics, where he is responsible for the company’s vision and execution of its leading retail intelligence solution. In November 2015, Brad brought to market the Tally robot, the world's first fully autonomous shelf auditing and analytics solution to help retailers ensure merchandise is always stocked, in the right place, and correctly priced. The National Retail Federation Foundation has named Brad to its list of “People Shaping Retail’s Future.”

Ron Bonacci

• Reinventing Loyalty: From CRM to Relevancy, Rewards & Digital Engagement on January 22, 2026 3:30 PM

Craig Boyan

• Annual Meeting & Chairman's Report on January 23, 2026 8:00 AM

Craig Boyan is Senior Advisor for H-E-B.  He is also a member of the H-E-B Board and a Trustee of the H-E-B Investment Retirement Plan. Craig joined H-E-B in 2005 as Chief Strategic Officer and was an advisor to H-E-B for two years before joining the company. Prior to H-E-B, Craig worked at the Monitor Company, a global consultancy based in Cambridge, MA. Craig founded and ran Monitor’s New York office. He graduated from Harvard College, cum laude in economics, and he was a member of the Harvard varsity heavyweight crew team. He also received an MBA from Columbia Business School. Craig is on the Board of the Food Marketing Institute (FMI), he is Chairman of the Board for Junior Achievement of South Texas, Chairman of the 2015 United Way Campaign in SA, on the Board of Trustees for Texas Biomedical Research Institute, and he is a member of the Trinity University Business Advisory Council.

Kevin Bridgewater

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Kevin is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Retail Initiatives for Quad, where he leads strategic engagements with key retail clients. He is also responsible for driving Quad’s go-to-market efforts for In-Store Connect, a new retail solution that elevates the shopping experience through a digital in-store media network. This platform uses digital screens and kiosks to deliver engaging messages and targeted promotions right at the store shelf. Kevin joined Quad in 2018 through its acquisition of Ivie & Associates, where he had served as Executive Vice President since 2006. Earlier in his career, he spent a decade specializing in corporate retail through senior marketing and merchandising roles. He also serves on the board of directors for Marxent Labs, a provider of next-generation customer experiences for enterprise retailers. Kevin graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. 

Michael Brown

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Bruce Burrows

• From Real-Time Visibility to Predictive Retail: How Grocers Are Digitizing the Store on January 22, 2026 3:00 PM

Andrew Connell

• Stronger Together: Retail–Supplier Synergy for the Next Era of Grocery on January 22, 2026 4:30 PM

Andrew Connell is EVP, Chief Procurement Officer for C&S Wholesale Grocers. Since joining C&S in 2006, Andrew has held multiple leadership positions throughout the organization in procurement, demand planning, facilities, automation and network optimization. Andrew earned a bachelor’s degree in Operations Research from Cornell University.

Kim Cox

• The K-Shaped Economy and the Food Industry on January 22, 2026 2:30 PM

Kim Cox is Managing Director for North America OmniCommerce solutions at NielsenIQ. Kim and has been with NielsenIQ for nearly 2 decades in roles spanning organizational disciplines including social media analytics, real-time advertising optimization, Client Leadership and Omnicommerce solutions. In her current role, she partners with retail, manufacturer and agency partners to help them better strategize, plan and monitor their performance across every shelf, in-store and digitally. 

John DeCicco

• From Real-Time Visibility to Predictive Retail: How Grocers Are Digitizing the Store on January 22, 2026 3:00 PM

John DeCicco Jr. is the CEO of DeCicco & Sons, the family-owned specialty grocery store based in Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York. A second-generation grocer, John Jr. grew up in the business founded by his father and uncle in 1973, when the family opened its first small store in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx.  After learning everything he could through working in the stores, John Jr. joined his brother, Chris DeCicco and cousin, Joe DeCicco Jr. in leading the company’s next chapter. In 2005, the business formally became DeCicco & Sons as the first generation brought the second generation into management. John Jr. has since expanded DeCicco & Sons dramatically across the region, becoming widely known as the best supermarket in Westchester. Today, DeCicco & Sons operates eleven stores in Larchmont, Pelham, Millwood, Armonk, Eastchester, Somers, Harrison, Brewster, Bedford, Ardsley, and Sleepy Hollow where their brand-new flagship store is located. They also have two stores slated to open in 2026.

Danny Edsall

• Productivity and Workforce in the Age of AI on January 23, 2026 2:00 PM

Danny Edsall is a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP and co-leader of Deloitte’s Global Grocery practice. He has over 30 years of professional experience from a career spent transforming retail clients around the world. Edsall led multiple transformation programs in supply chain, merchandising, store operations, and logistics. In the last 10 years, he has helped retailers in their journey to meet the expectations of “Digital Consumers” with projects like omnichannel supply chain, distributed order management, mobile/e-commerce, self-scanning, and store experience transformations. Edsall has also contributed to many industry initiatives and has done extensive work on boards and industry standards groups such as NRF, GMA, and GS1.

Desirée Gosby

• Winning the Agentic Consumer on January 23, 2026 9:00 AM

Andy S. Harig

• Chasing Certainty in an Age of Disruption: Trade, Taxes, and Public Policy in the New Marketplace on January 22, 2026 4:30 PM
• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Andrew S. Harig currently serves as Vice President, Tax, Trade, Sustainability & Policy Development at FMI-The Food Industry Association. In this position, he is responsible for lobbying Congress and the Administration on behalf of FMI members, with a primary focus on agriculture, taxes, trade, sustainability, food waste, and pensions. Prior to joining FMI, Andy was an associate trade advisor and speechwriter for the Senate Finance Committee under its Chairman, Max Baucus (D-MT).  From 1999-2001, he was the senior research associate for the Global Economic Policy Project at the New America Foundation, a Washington, DC-based think tank. Andy holds a B.A. from the College of William and Mary and an M.A. from DePaul University in Chicago, IL.

Tom Henry

• From Real-Time Visibility to Predictive Retail: How Grocers Are Digitizing the Store on January 22, 2026 3:00 PM

Lauren Kennedy

• From Insight to Aisle: How AI Guides Store Teams to Execute the Brand Promise on January 22, 2026 4:00 PM

Lauren Kennedy is the Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts at Upshop, where she drives transformative growth strategies for North America’s leading food retailers. In her role, she leads a high-performing team of Account Managers across the U.S. and Canada, responsible for delivering the company’s growth targets. Working in close partnership with retailers, Lauren and her team focus on accelerating shared growth initiatives and delivering innovative, data-driven solutions that enhance efficiency, profitability, and sustainability.  A recognized thought leader in the retail technology space, Lauren is a frequent speaker on industry-shaping topics, including food waste reduction, supply chain traceability, and the future of in-store operations. With a proven track record of driving collaborative growth and fostering innovation, she is passionate about helping retailers transform their operations and achieve lasting success.

Jeff Kenniston

• The Future of Grocery Through the Tech Driven Store: the FMItech Pitch Competition on January 21, 2026 1:30 PM

Jeff Kenniston leads Solutions Engineers who support some of the most recognized CPG and retail brands across North America. With over two decades of experience, he helps organizations turn connectivity into a strategic asset enabling smarter operations, faster execution, and more agile supply chains. At T-Mobile for Business, Jeff partners with leading CPGs to design and deliver scalable wireless solutions powered by 5G, IoT, and cloud technologies. His deep, working knowledge of both retail operations and contract manufacturing gives him a unique ability to connect technology strategy to real world outcomes across the value chain. Known for simplifying complexity and driving execution, Jeff brings a customer first approach to helping CPGs modernize how they produce, move, and sell.

Nikki Laughlin

• The Future of Grocery Through the Tech Driven Store: the FMItech Pitch Competition on January 21, 2026 1:30 PM

When you work as a kid in your family’s Italian restaurants, there’s a lesson to be learned every day. Two of them happen to be posters that hang on the walls at Facebook's Chicago office: "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" and "Nothing at Facebook is somebody else's job" (unless it was tiramisu...that was always Aunt Clara's job). Lessons like these have stayed with Nikki throughout her career, spanning tech, retail and CPG, at companies like Meta (fka Facebook), Meijer, Havas and Leo Burnett.  These experiences allow Nikki to lend a unique perspective in an ever- evolving marketplace. Most recently, Nikki was the  Chief Innovation Officer at Accelerate360. Nikki also served as President of Havas, leading teams across three agency banners, Havas Chicago, Annex Chicago and Annex Experience, where they serviced clients like Amazon, Adidas, AutoZone, Ferrara, Reynolds Consumer Products, Hefty, Michelin and Pillsbury among others.  At Facebook Nikki led innovation across grocery & drugstore retailers as well as their CPG suppliers to better serve their customers and communities.  Prior to Facebook, Nikki led Marketing & Brand Development at Meijer where she was recognized as a Progressive Grocer Top Women In Grocery in 2017.

Steve Markenson

• The K-Shaped Economy and the Food Industry on January 22, 2026 2:30 PM

In his role at FMI, Markenson oversees the research & insights practice. He leads the discovery process on the latest industry trends and operational insights that champion FMI as a credible voice of the food retail industry. Markenson is a market research executive with 30 years of progressive experience in his field. His diverse experience includes research design, information/data collection and analysis and strategic planning. Markenson was formerly the president of WBA Research, a national market research firm founded in 1987, where he oversaw more than 30 full-time professionals, along with a part-time staff of more than 100 telephone interviewers, field interviewers and support staff. Earlier in his career, Markenson worked at Snyder Communications, where he directed all aspects of more than 90 annual market research studies and presented results to brand management, market research departments, advertising and promotion agencies.

Charlie McWeeney

• The Future of Grocery Through the Tech Driven Store: the FMItech Pitch Competition on January 21, 2026 1:30 PM

Charlie McWeeney serves as Vice President of the Communications and Information Services Division (CISD) at Wakefern Food Corp., the largest retailer-owned cooperative in the United States, which operates more than 350 supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite, Fresh Grocer, and Dearborn Market banners.   Charlie joined Wakefern in 1995 and has held various positions within CISD.  As Vice President, Charlie leads the development, integration, maintenance, and security of the cooperative's technology platforms including Web/eCommerce, Retail Systems, Warehouse Management, HR/Financial Systems, Networking, and Infrastructure.  Charlie is committed to advancing careers in information technology, and worked with Wakefern’s Human Resources to launch Leaders in Training for Technology (LITT) and 360 Training and Mentorship programs.  He also dedicates time to a variety of technology and retail organizations, serving as a member of the FMI Technology Leadership Council. 

Keith Mercier

• Delivering AI ROI from Strategy to Shelf on January 22, 2026 2:00 PM

Nik Modi

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Nik Modi is Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Consumer & Retail Research at RBC Capital Markets where he leads coverage of the US Consumer Staples space, which includes the Beverage, Packaged Food, Household Personal Care, and Beauty sectors. As sector co-head, Nik also oversees global consumer research strategy and collaborates with global counterparts to shape the direction of the franchise. Nik joined RBC in 2013 from UBS where he held a similar role overseeing all of UBS’ global consumer staples coverage. At present, the market capitalization under Nik’s coverage is about $1.5 trillion. Nik is well known around the industry for providing provocative predictions based on his lateral view of the consumer, technology and geopolitical developments. He has been ranked as one of the top analysts across the consumer space for almost 2 decades according to Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fortune and Institutional Investors All Star Analyst Survey.

Scott Moses

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Scott Moses is Partner and Head of Grocery, Pharmacy & Restaurants Investment Banking at Solomon Partners and a member of the Firm’s Operating Committee. Specializing in mergers, acquisitions, sales and divestitures of traditional and specialty grocers, he has advised on over $50 billion in transactions, working on major deals for Kroger, Albertsons, Sprouts and dozens of family-owned grocers. Recognized among the “Top 50: Americas M&A Dealmakers” by Global M&A Network, Scott has also appeared on “40 Under 40” lists by IDD (2011) and The M&A Advisor (2015). Quoted widely in media such as Bloomberg, WSJ and Yahoo Finance, Scott also writes a quarterly column in Supermarket News. A graduate of UPenn, he holds a JD/MBA from Columbia. Scott sits on the Board of UpLift Solutions, which was founded to expand grocery access in underserved areas, and is a Fellow of the Culinary Institute of America. He is the author of the acclaimed book, A ‘Grocery’ Christmas Carol: The Ghost of Supermarkets Future.

Dan O'Connor

• Winning the Agentic Consumer on January 23, 2026 9:00 AM

Dan O’Connor is a recognized thought leader, advisor, and educator working with the world’s most innovative brands, retailers, social commerce, digital platform and AI/data companies. His future views are widely referenced by senior executives, policymakers and academics. O’Connor is an Executive Fellow at Harvard Business School where he is a member of the Managing the future of Work Initiative, focused on the future of commerce. Dan is an entrepreneur who has founded and scaled multiple businesses. Dan’s board/governance experience has extended over 20 years. Dan has extensive private investment experience, ranging from early-stage funding to large-scale, leveraged buyouts. Dan founded Front4Ventures and Rockhurst, LLC and is a graduate of both Harvard & Clarkson University. He started his career with Ernst & Ernst as a CPA and later became a National Director of Consumer Products & Retail Consulting at Touche, Ross & Co.’s (now Deloitte). He is the very proud father of three wonderful children and one grandson. 

Amanda Oren

• Stronger Together: Retail–Supplier Synergy for the Next Era of Grocery on January 22, 2026 4:30 PM

Based in San Francisco, Amanda Oren is the VP of Industry Strategy for Grocery North America at RELEX Solutions, with over 20 years of experience in merchandising, e-commerce, cross-channel operations, category management, and system implementations. She has worked with leading U.S. retailers in both in-house and consulting roles, delivering impactful strategies and operational improvements. Amanda holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BS in Operations Research and Industrial Engineering from Cornell University.

Guy Peri

• Winning the Agentic Consumer on January 23, 2026 9:00 AM

As McCormick’s Chief Information & Digital Officer, Guy Peri is responsible for leading the development of the Company’s digital transformation strategy and enterprise information technology. Before joining McCormick, Guy served as the first Chief Data & Analytics Officer at Procter & Gamble (P&G). A pioneer in embedding machine learning algorithms at scale into key decision processes, he developed capabilities that enabled strategic and operational insights and optimized outcomes across P&G’s activity system, including media planning, trade promotion planning, supply planning, and product innovation. Most recently Guy led digital strategy, data analytics, and information security as Chief Information Officer of P&G’s Health Care sector. In this role he developed and supported high-performing teams that integrated digital capabilities into work process transformations, operations, product innovation, go-to-market strategies, and consumer experience. Guy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and an MBA in International Business and Marketing from the University of South Florida, Tampa.

Chad Petersen

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Michael Pursell

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Michael Pursell is a dynamic and results-driven executive with over 20 years of leadership experience across foodservice, entertainment, hospitality, and grocery retail. He currently serves as Executive Director of Foodservice, Deli, and Bakery at Associated Wholesale Grocers (AWG), the largest grocery cooperative in the U.S., serving more than 3,500 member stores. Before joining AWG, Michael held executive roles at some of the most well-known names in the industry, including Vice President of Food & Beverage at AMC Theatres, where he nearly doubled annual revenues to $1.4B in 5 years and positioned the brand among the Top 35 U.S. restaurant companies. Michael holds an MBA in Business Administration and a BS in Food Marketing from Johnson & Wales University, along with formal culinary training from Johnson & Wales and Ecole Ferrandi in Paris. He currently serves as Co-Chair of the FMI Foodservice Council and has been recognized with numerous awards for innovation, financial performance, and marketing excellence.

Sri Rajagopalan

• JBP to JVC: Rewiring Retail–CPG Partnerships for an Omnichannel, AI-Driven World on January 23, 2026 3:00 PM

Sri Rajagopalan is a veteran CPG commercial leader having led large scale omnichannel and technology transformations across some of the largest brands in the world – PepsiCo, Johnson & Johnson, Revlon & as Chief customer officer at General Mills Co. In these roles, he led people, process & technology transformation anchored on the changing consumer behavior from analog to omnichannel. He launched Frito-Lay’s ecommerce business, led J&J consumer through both B2B and retail partnerships, Revlon’s move to digital engagement & led sales at Generals Mills during the covid disruption through supply chain and inflation disruption with digitally led change, and delivered its fastest growth period of over 20%. He is widely known in the industry as an OG of retail media. He is a co-founder of Think Blue consulting, and the industry’s #1 podcast, now media company – THE CPGGUYS. Sri lives in Los Angeles and is a proud father of popstars Rhea Raj & Lara Raj (MTV VMA winning band Katseye) and four pets.

Shekar Raman

• Reinventing Loyalty: From CRM to Relevancy, Rewards & Digital Engagement on January 22, 2026 3:30 PM

Shekar Raman is CEO and co-founder of Birdzi, a grocery retail AI solutions company inspired by an idea from his 11-year-old daughter about locating supermarket products. He is passionate about leveraging AI and machine learning to enhance the customer experience. Shekar began his career working on the Human Genome Project at the University of Pennsylvania, developing protein modeling algorithms and pioneering BioInformatics techniques. At UNLV, he applied speech recognition methods to classify genetic sequences. Later, at AT&T Bell Labs, he developed data collection algorithms in the Speech Recognition group and gained expertise in systems engineering. He also architected and implemented infrastructure solutions for a Fortune 500 company in consulting and management roles. Shekar holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications from Osmania University, India, and an MS in Electrical Engineering from Villanova University, focusing on Digital Signal Processing and Pattern Recognition.

Krystal Register MS, RDN, LDN

• Realizing Food Retail’s Potential as a Health Destination on January 23, 2026 8:25 AM

Krystal Register, MS, RDN, LDN is the Vice President of Health and Well-being at FMI - The Food Industry Association.  She serves as the lead coordinator and subject matter expert for nutrition, health and well-being policy, programs, activities, operations, media response and communications across the food industry for FMI members and community collaborators.  Krystal was a retail dietitian with Wegmans for 12 years prior to joining FMI and made significant contributions to company-wide wellness programs, consumer health messaging, and local media in the National Capital Region.

Kevin Ryan

• Hidden Forces Reshaping the Future of Food on January 22, 2026 10:00 AM

Kevin Ryan is founder and CEO of Malachite Strategy & Research, where he advises CPG, retail, and foodservice leaders on translating cultural shifts and consumer behavior into breakthrough innovation strategies. His work has guided decision-making for organizations ranging from Fortune 500 brands to high-growth emerging companies, helping them gain clarity on emerging demand spaces, discovering profitable opportunities, and rewriting their innovation processes for the future. Malachite's approach reflects Kevin's 25 years at the intersection of anthropology, food science, and corporate strategy. Before founding the firm, he was Global Strategic Senior Planner at Amazon, shaping brand and advertising strategy for Prime and non-Prime consumers worldwide, and led innovation strategy at General Mills. Kevin holds a PhD in Food Science and an MSc in Food Anthropology. He shares his perspective through the FoodStuff newsletter, 3 Squares podcast, and as a keynote presenter at industry events.

Mike Sanders

• From Insight to Aisle: How AI Guides Store Teams to Execute the Brand Promise on January 22, 2026 4:00 PM

Mike Sanders is Chief Executive Officer of Upshop, the global leader in unified store operations technology for grocery retailers. He leads Upshop’s mission to help food retailers drive sales, reduce shrink, improve food safety, and optimize store execution through intelligent, connected solutions built for the store.  Mike brings a strong track record of scaling global software organizations and delivering customer-focused innovation. Prior to joining Upshop, he served as Chief Revenue Officer at Kaseya, the leading global provider of IT management and cybersecurity software. a leader in AI-driven IT and cybersecurity solutions, In that role, where he helped scale the business to support tens of thousands of customers worldwide.  At Upshop, Mike is accelerating innovation, deepening retailer partnerships, and expanding the company’s unified SaaS platform across more than 450 retailers and 50,000 stores globally.

Bryan Santee

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Bryan Santee serves as Chief Commercial Officer for Pepsi Beverages (PBUS), overseeing retail customer management, commercial planning and marketing, and Revenue Growth Management. As a member of the PepsiCo North America Executive Committee, he leads commercial strategy and execution across PepsiCo’s full U.S. beverage portfolio. Previously, Bryan was Senior Vice President of Digital Commerce for PepsiCo North America, where he guided customer and commercial eCommerce strategy across the company’s food and beverage businesses and helped build integrated omnichannel capabilities spanning performance marketing, data and technology, and end-to-end supply chain. A 20-year PepsiCo veteran, Bryan has held leadership roles across customer development, field sales, channel strategy, and commercial planning, including positions with Frito-Lay and as Vice President of National Customers for Pepsi Beverages. He began his career at Circana (formerly IRI) and holds a B.S. in Marketing from the University of Minnesota and an M.B.A. from NYU Stern.

Leslie G. Sarasin

• Driving Blindfolded Without Crashing: Food Industry Leadership Requirements in Uncertain Times on January 22, 2026 9:30 AM

Leslie G. Sarasin is the president and chief executive officer of  FMI, the food industry association, which represents more than 1,500 member companies in the United States and around the world. Under Sarasin's leadership, FMI has become a forward focused and member centered organization committed to help supermarkets excel in their role of feeding families and enriching lives. Her synergistic style and determined spirit of collaboration has infused FMI with a renewed commitment to help its members address the critical industry issues of the day - food safety and the emerging importance of health and wellness. Prior to coming to FMI, Sarasin was president and CEO of the American Frozen Food Institute.

Matt Schwartz

• Generative AI in Grocery: How AI is Rewriting the Rules on January 22, 2026 2:30 PM

Parag Shah

• JBP to JVC: Rewiring Retail–CPG Partnerships for an Omnichannel, AI-Driven World on January 23, 2026 3:00 PM

Manish Sharma

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Manish Sharma brings over 22 years of global marketing and commercial expertise in the consumer goods industry, including 17 transformative years at Kellogg. A visionary thought leader and strategist, Manish has built brands and businesses across multiple continents by blending deep consumer insights with innovative technology and marketing strategies. As Co-Founder & CMO of Think Blue, he leads business transformation by seamlessly integrating digital innovation with traditional expertise. Passionate about omni-channel strategies, digital marketing, and sustainable growth, Manish is committed to empowering businesses with data-driven decision-making and a future-focused approach.

Jack Sinclair

• Realizing Food Retail’s Potential as a Health Destination on January 23, 2026 8:25 AM

Jack Sinclair, Sprouts chief executive officer, brings more than 35 years of experience in retail and grocery to Sprouts since joining the company in June 2019. He has served as a board member of FMI, The Food Industry Association, since 2020 and was appointed to the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco’s Head Office board of directors in January 2025. Jack was previously chief executive officer of 99 Cents Only Stores LLC, a premier discount retailer with over 350 locations in the United States, since 2018. Prior to that, he was chief merchandising officer from 2015 to 2018. From 2007 to 2015, Jack was the executive vice president of the U.S. Grocery Division of Walmart, Inc., where he led all aspects of Walmart’s U.S. grocery business at its more than 4,000 stores. Jack earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and marketing from The University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Jason Sokol

• Reinventing Loyalty: From CRM to Relevancy, Rewards & Digital Engagement on January 22, 2026 3:30 PM

Jason Sokol has been with Associated Food Stores for about 23 years, dedicating most of his time to the Marketing department. Jason’s team supports both corporate and independent retailers across a wide variety of platforms, including owned and paid media, ecommerce, rewards, personalization, and much more. Jason began his career in the grocery industry as a bagger at the age of 16 and has spent most of his professional life in this field. Jason resides in Herriman, Utah with his spouse Cassie and two daughters, Abby and Izzy.

Kevin Stafford

• Lunch & Learn Sessions on January 22, 2026 12:00 PM

Kevin Stafford joined the Food City team in 1996 as courtesy clerk in Bristol, TN, while attending Sullivan East High School. What began as a part-time job quickly grew into the makings of an extraordinary career, as Stafford developed a genuine passion for the business that quickly catapulted him through the ranks. Stafford has served in a number of key positions. In 2016, he was promoted to Vice President of Marketing. Stafford was recently promoted to his current role of Vice President of Center Store Operations, where he is responsible for the oversight of all center store operations for the company’s 164 retail locations. Stafford is active within the community, serving as Board Chairman for Speedway Children’s. Stafford holds both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business administration from Milligan College. He is also a graduate of the Cornell Executive Leadership program. Stafford currently resides in Bristol, TN with his lovely wife, Kristie, and two children, Karson, and Kameron. 

Adam Stave

• The Future of Grocery Through the Tech Driven Store: the FMItech Pitch Competition on January 21, 2026 1:30 PM

Pamela Stewart

• Gathering Around Goodness: The Food Industry's Role in Community Building on January 22, 2026 9:00 AM

Pamela Stewart has dedicated 25 years to the Coca-Cola System across The Coca-Cola Company and two bottlers, excelling in executive roles across sales – foodservice on premise & retail, franchise, operations, finance, and general management. As the Chief Customer Officer – Retail for North America, she leads the Retail customer organization across 70+ physical, digital, and pureplay partners. Prior to her current role, Pam was the President of West Zone Franchise Operations in the North America Operating Unit, managing over 80 million consumers, 20+ bottlers, and 600+ customers. Pam serves on several boards, including Utz snacks brands public board, FMI executive board, Girls Inc, and the Retail Industry Leaders Association executive board. She holds business degrees from Georgia State University and Oglethorpe University, and a Harvard Business School executive education certification. Pam is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including the 2025 YWCA Woman of Achievement and 2024 Savoy Top Corporate Executive.

Emily Taylor

• Gathering Around Goodness: The Food Industry's Role in Community Building on January 22, 2026 9:00 AM

Emily Taylor is the Chief Operating Officer at Dollar General. With over two decades of experience in retail, Emily is instrumental in shaping Dollar General’s product strategy, ensuring the company consistently delivers exceptional value and convenience to its customers. Her leadership extends across all product categories, where she focuses on innovation, customer-centric merchandising, and strategic growth. Under Emily’s direction, Dollar General has expanded its product offerings and enhanced its market presence, solidifying its reputation as a leading retailer in the value sector. She is known for her keen insights into consumer behavior and her ability to anticipate and respond to market trends, making her a driving force behind the company’s continued success. Emily’s commitment to excellence and her strategic vision have been key in Dollar General’s ability to meet the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining a strong competitive edge.

Deborah Weinswig

• The Future of Grocery Through the Tech Driven Store: the FMItech Pitch Competition on January 21, 2026 1:30 PM

Deborah Weinswig, CEO and Founder of Coresight Research Inc., leads the Coresight Research team to provide actionable insights and solutions for retailers and brands that accelerate innovation and growth in the fast-changing retail and technology landscape. Deborah has been a trusted thought leader at the crossroads of technology, finance, and retail for nearly two decades. As a leading analyst and strategist, Deborah also has deep expertise in AI, Metaverse, China, livestreaming, retail media, supply chain, commercial real estate, and data monetization. In 2023, Deborah conceptualized and launched the first AI Council for the retail industry, an invitation-only organization helping brands, retailers, and technology companies navigate business in the artificial intelligence age.

Aaron Wiese

• Realizing Food Retail’s Potential as a Health Destination on January 23, 2026 8:25 AM

As president of Hy-Vee, Inc., Aaron Wiese has been a key voice in shaping retail pharmacy and health care delivery across the Midwest. Since beginning his Hy-Vee career as a student, Aaron’s experiences across all aspects of Hy-Vee’s operations from retail to specialty pharmacy to logistics have given him a unique perspective on how to bring health care services to communities large and small through multiple avenues. Under his leadership, Hy-Vee has become an award-winning health care brand noted for its innovation and patient care. Most recently, he has been leading the launch of Hy-Vee’s Food is Medicine initiatives across the company. In 2025, Aaron was named Health Care Leader of the Year by The Pinnacle Awards, and in 2024, was named to Drug Store News’ list of 50 Most Influential People in Retail Health.

Andrew Wilson

• Reinventing Loyalty: From CRM to Relevancy, Rewards & Digital Engagement on January 22, 2026 3:30 PM
• Generative AI in Grocery: How AI is Rewriting the Rules on January 22, 2026 2:30 PM

Andrew Wilson serves as the Vice President of AI and Customer Loyalty for Wakefern Food Corp. In his role, Andrew reports to the Chief Sales Officer, Darren Caudill, and is tasked with developing and executing the company's AI strategy. His responsibilities include aligning AI initiatives with business objectives, ensuring the responsible and ethical application of AI, and identifying opportunities to gain a competitive edge, enhance operational efficiency, and develop new products and services. He collaborates with stakeholders across various divisions, including technology, marketing, and sales, to integrate AI into business functions and ensure these initiatives deliver a strong return on investment.

Matthew Wurst

• The Future of Grocery Through the Tech Driven Store: the FMItech Pitch Competition on January 21, 2026 1:30 PM

Matt Wurst is the Chief Marketing Officer at Genuin, a pioneering technology and media network that embeds social-style video experiences within leading retail, media, and consumer platforms. Under his leadership, Genuin has built a premium ecosystem connecting brands and audiences in the moments that matter, now reaching more than 200 million consumers across partners like iHeart, TED, and Seamless/Grubhub. Before Genuin, Matt co-founded Mint, one of the first blockchain platforms designed for brand-consumer engagement. His 25-year career spans award-winning leadership roles in marketing and creative agencies, where he launched the NBA’s first digital platform and content initiatives, as well as built 360i’s original social media and strategy practice, shaping global strategies for Coca-Cola, Oreo, Unilever, Diageo, and more. A frequent speaker on topics ranging from safe AI, media, and the creator economy, Matt balances his passion for innovation with family life, coaching his daughter’s undefeated flag football team and his teenage son in golf tournaments.

Greg Zeh

• From Insight to Aisle: How AI Guides Store Teams to Execute the Brand Promise on January 22, 2026 4:00 PM

Greg Zeh is the senior vice president and chief information officer for Weis Markets Inc.  With over 25 years of experience, Greg is a visionary and influential leader in technology and finance. In his role, Greg is responsible for steering the company’s information technology team, focusing on technology solutions that deliver captivating customer experiences, unlock business opportunities, manage technology risks, and enhance shareholder value. Greg’s strengths are strategic planning, cultural change, building dynamic teams, and implementing organizational changes. Greg has spearheaded complex business and technology transformations with significant operating scale and complexity, and a focus on sustainable growth. 

Leon Zhang

• The Future of Grocery Through the Tech Driven Store: the FMItech Pitch Competition on January 21, 2026 1:30 PM

Leon Zhang is the Co-Founder and CEO of BetterBasket, an AI-powered pricing platform built for grocery retailers. Drawing on his experience launching grocery at Uber Eats, Leon saw firsthand how difficult it is for grocers to make fast, profitable pricing decisions amid rising costs and intense competition. He left his MBA program at Wharton to build BetterBasket, recognizing that new advances in AI could help retailers navigate inflation, supply chain disruptions, and policy volatility. Since its 2024 launch, BetterBasket has combined real-time competitive data, elasticity modeling, and AI agents that continuously learn from each store’s data to deliver clear, automated pricing recommendations. The company now partners with leading regional grocers—including H Mart, Fairway Market, and Supermercados Econo. BetterBasket is backed by Y Combinator, YouTube’s co-founder, and the former CEO of Tesco.