Ahold veteran honored with GMDC Lifetime Achievement Award

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Global Market Development Center presented its annual GMDC Lifetime Achievement Award during the GM16 conference in Orlando, Fla., to Jim Wonderly, VP strategic accounts at QK Healthcare and a 25-year veteran of Ahold, leading its general merchandise category business.

“During his extensive career Jim has progressively had a strong, positive influence on the growth and profitability of nonfoods. He has made transforming retail a priority and that exemplifies the spirit and meaning of GMDC’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” stated Patrick Spear, president and CEO of GMDC. “We hope that Jim’s passion for challenging the industry and his accomplishments will energize and inspire others in the industry to be thought leaders and change agents.”

Wonderly began his career as a GM/HBC category manager, before joining Tops Supermarkets as director of GM/HBC. He then helped found the American Sales Company (Ahold USA GM/HBC distribution organization) as VP of GM/HBC. He moved to Stop and Shop Supermarkets as VP GM/HBC before assuming the role of VP pharmacy. Jim moved to Ahold USA as VP grocery non foods/pet/candy. Wonderly is also an associate with the BGJ Group. He served a two-year term as chairman of the board for GMDC in 2005 and 2006.

Wonderly received a marketing degree from Penn State and resides with his wife Tricia and their children in Mechanicsburg, Pa.

“I can't begin to tell you how surprised and appreciative I am to receive this great award,” Wonderly said. “I’m honored to be recognized and will continue to be a passionate advocate for ways retailers and wholesalers can innovate and drive the marketplace.”

The award honors visionary leaders who have made significant contributions to the industry’s general merchandise and health beauty wellness categories, to his or her company and to GMDC. The GMDC executive committee and a committee of past GMDC board chairs still active in the association choose annual recipients.