Owner operators in the independent grocery retail network IGA now have a chief operating officer heading up the food and grocery business.

The CEO of IGA Distribution since 2010, Silvestro Morabito, takes on the new role adding responsibility for IGA Fresh, Campbells Wholesale and all food and grocery merchandising and marketing.

IGA is owned by Metcash, a national independent marketing and distribution company. Group CEO Andrew Reitzer said “I am very confident Silvestro will be able to focus the various food and grocery elements of Metcash enabling us to put even more effort into growing the network of independent stores – getting them what they need as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Morabito has more than three decades in grocery wholesaling and retailing, including senior positions with Safeway and Dairy Farm International.