COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Steve Davis, director of center store, general merchandise, health/beauty care and grocery nonfoods at Weis Markets Inc., has been appointed chairman of the Global Market Development Center (GMDC).

Steve Davis

GMDC noted that Davis’ experience includes a broad food retailing background, covering both the GM and health/beauty/wellness categories. He also serves as the chairman of the GMDC executive committee.

“We look forward to having Steve Davis and a wealth of respected, industry thought leaders at the helm of our association as it continues to be an ecosystem for business growth and value creation for all of our members,” stated Patrick Spear, president and chief executive officer of GMDC. “We also want to offer a special thank you to the retiring GMDC board members for their dedication and service to the association and our industry.”

Also named to the GMDC executive committee this year were Tim Buskey, vice president of consumer health at AmerisourceBergen, serving as GMDC vice chairman, and Patty Fishman, vice president of HBC and GM merchandising at Supervalu Inc., serving as GMDC board secretary/treasurer.

Joining the GMDC board this year are Karen Bakewell, director of GM and HBC at SpartanNash, as education leadership council co-chairperson; Mike Bloom, president and chief operating officer of Fred’s Inc., as board liaison to the education leadership council; Peter Fahrenkopf, vice president of stationery and household sales at ShurTech Brands LLC, as GM board co-chairperson; Dan Figus, vice president of field sales organization at Johnson & Johnson, as health/beauty/wellness board co-chairperson; and Dave Jones, vice president of industry initiatives at Kellogg USA, as membership advisory board co-chairperson.