Meet CFIC President Gene Faller!

Gene Faller, Senior Vice President of Center Store Category Management at Food Lion, was elected CFIC’s 20^th President in November 2023. Gene has been a member of CFIC since its inception and was first elected to the Board of Directors in 2020.

Retail Career

During Gene’s 36 years with Food Lion, he has held a variety of roles, which—combined with his tenure as a CFIC member—make him especially well-positioned to lead the Council.

In his current role, Gene works directly with merchandising leadership in the development and execution of their unique selling propositions and go-to-market strategies.

Gene got his start at Food Lion as a Perishable Clerk and spent six years in retail, holding a variety of positions. From there, he spent 14 years serving in various areas within Category Management including Director, Pricing and Private Brand, and Vice President, Dry Category Management.

He then transitioned into the role of Market Vice President at Food Lion and was responsible for associate development and talent planning, sales and P&L oversight and ensuring consistent and sustained execution of the Food Lion strategy.

Prior to his current role, Gene was Vice President of Retail Operations at Bottom Dollar Food, supervising all aspects of retail and brand operations for over 60 stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Ohio. He was also responsible for the grocer’s overall profitability and financial performance, setting strategic priorities and in-store execution while ensuring a positive experience for customers and a hospitable work environment for associates.

 

Leadership style

Founded in 1957 by brothers Brown and Ralph Ketner, along with Wilson Smith, Food Lion is now an omnichannel grocery retailer under Ahold Delhaize USA with more than 1,100 stores across 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states.

Gene says, “I was never privileged to work directly for or with the founding family, however their principles are carried throughout the brand, strategy and culture of Food Lion. I have gained a wealth of knowledge on the grocery industry and acquired leadership skills from working for this company and through all the mentors that I have been very proud to work with over the years.”

When asked who has had the greatest professional influence on him, Gene says, “Three people come to mind: Tom Smith, the former CEO of Food Lion; Bruce Efird, my predecessor; and Meg Ham, President at Food Lion. Their leadership has helped me steer my career trajectory, and they’ve also inspired my leadership approach.”

 

Personal Interests and Family

If you spend any time talking with Gene, you will learn he doesn’t spend much time being still. In his free time, he enjoys working out at the gym, running and biking. He says, “Given my love for running, I have completed numerous marathons and three ironman triathlons. Additionally, I enjoy hunting and spending time at the beach with my family.”

When it comes to sports, Gene is a passionate Chicago Cubs fan and roots for all sports at his alma mater, East Carolina University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Gene moved to North Carolina when he was young. He and his wife, Ann, who is a Spanish Teacher at East Rowan High School, now live in Salisbury, NC. They have two daughters, Faith (25) and Grace (23).

When not in Salisbury, Gene enjoys traveling. He says, “Costa Rica is my ideal vacation spot. Aside from its lush greenery and tropical landscape, the people are very kind, making it a great place to be.” 

 

Q&A with Gene Faller:

Q: In your opinion, what is the key to success in the industry?

A: The key to success in this industry depends on a few factors – most importantly, leveraging partnerships to help build the business is essential, especially to keep up with changing trends and ensure customers are always kept at the center when making decisions that impact retail. Throughout my tenure, I’ve learned that keeping suppliers and retailers on the same page creates great synergy to power businesses forward.

Q: What changes have you seen in the grocery industry?

A: The changes I’ve seen have been based around the dynamic nature of the industry. The importance of value for the customer, both real and perceived has changed, and leaders must recognize that to provide what customers need from product assortments to creating omnichannel shopping experiences.

Q: What do you most want for CFIC?

A: My greatest desire is for us to continue engaging with our supplier partners as much as possible, especially for them to not only know what the CFIC is, but to understand the value it brings to the Carolinas and how it represents everyone – both grocers and suppliers.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as President?

A: I hope that the value of this influential organization transcends throughout the board of directors and all members of the CFIC, emphasizing its importance in both North and South Carolina. This will help propel our businesses and ensure we understand and exercise our impact in the greater grocery industry.

Q: Any words of wisdom or advice you can impart to your members?

A: Continue to learn and remain good stewards of the information and knowledge we obtain and distribute. As leaders in the grocery industry, it is imperative for us to serve as a trusted guide and source while remaining an advocate for grocery retailers in the Carolinas.