Mark McCurdy, VP of Retail Operations and Brand Strategy, Georgia Main Food Group, to retire after 21 years in the grocery industry

October 23, 2023, hən̓̓qəmin̓əm̓ and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh traditional territory / Burnaby, B.C. – Gary Sorenson, President and Chief Operating Officer, Georgia Main Food Group (GMFG) announces Mark McCurdy, Vice President, Retail Operations and Brand Strategy, GMFG, will retire October 27, 2023. “After more than 21 years at H.Y. Louie/Georgia Main Food Group, we congratulate Mark on his retirement, said Sorensen. “It has been a journey of change, excitement, and opportunity, and Mark has left a lasting impression and legacy across the company and on our banner brands in British Columbia including IGA, Fresh St. Market, H.Y. Louie (HYL) and GMFG.

Mark began his business connection with the H.Y. Louie Company in the late 1990s, as HYL was one of his clients while working at a highly regarded Vancouver ad agency. Soon, he found himself transitioning from the ad agency side to the client side, joining HYL’s advertising division in 2002. Since then, he has been Director, Advertising/Marketing; in 2013, he was promoted to General Manager, Advertising and Marketing and appointed to the Executive Committee. In 2016, he was promoted to Vice President, Retail Operations and Brand Strategy. Mark’s experience in grocery retail and advertising gave him a unique perspective on combining creativity and business strategy into the art of selling groceries. What has motivated Mark throughout his career has been managing the company’s steady expansion while conquering the challenges of selling groceries within the ever-changing retail landscape.

“Every day has presented new and exciting opportunities, which has allowed me to accelerate the company’s position, brand and market footprint,” said McCurdy.

Sorensen adds, “Throughout his two-decade career with HYL and GMFG, Mark has been a vital and instrumental team member and leader. His proudest achievements include the creation, launch and enduring success of Fresh St. Market, the establishment and growth of GMFG as a division of HYL, and, in 2017, leading the transition of IGA back to its origins through rebranding and store upgrades. Mark is most grateful for the opportunity he has had to work with amazing colleagues who have allowed him to lead, inspire and motivate them to be creative and spark innovation in finding their own path to success.” Mark McCurdy’s successor will be announced at a later date.

For more information and interview opportunities, please contact: 

Wendy Hartley Wendy@HartleyPR.com 604.817.2758