Four Questions with Ken Wicker, SVP of Fresh Foods

Ken Wicker D.B.A. , our Senior Vice President of Fresh Foods, joined the Festival Foods team in 2021. Ken leads our buying, category management, fresh item management, and store training & execution teams for our fresh departments (bakery, deli, floral, meat, produce).

We asked Ken to share more about his story, why he chose Festival Foods, and his leadership style.

Tell us about your first job.

My first job was at my hometown IGA bagging and carrying out groceries. The dress code was a crisp white shirt with tie, khaki trousers, and a company supplied apron. I earned $3.10 per hour.

Why did you choose Festival Foods, and what do you enjoy most about the culture?

I was drawn to Festival’s people first mindset and servant leadership culture; their strong commitment to serving the customer, supporting the associates, and investing back into the community is unparalleled in the grocery industry.

Share more about your leadership style and what you’re “known for”?

I feel I am best known for continuous improvement, team development, innovation, and celebrating success.

What’s always in your Festival cart?

Driscoll's berries.