MADISON, Wis. – Michael Eardley was named president and CEO of the International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA). Eardley is the director of Deli, Cheese and Prepared Foods for HEB Grocery Company in San Antonio, Texas.

 

 Michael Eardley

Eardley will join the association starting Aug. 25. He succeeds Carol Christison, who died in March after 31 years of leadership at IDDBA.


“I’ve known Michael Eardley for a number of years and he has the background and qualifications to take the IDDBA to even greater heights,” said Ed Meyer, vice president of Meat & Seafood, at Schnuck Markets, St. Louis, Mo, and a member of the search committee. “He’s highly respected in the industry, passionate about the association, and has the ability and experience to lead the strategic planning process.”

Eardley spent 29 years working for D&W Food Centers in Grand Rapids, Mich., where he was director of foodservice when D&W opened its first restaurant and its Central Kitchen. Eardley later became vice president of Fresh Foods, leading the meat, produce, deli, bakery, seafood, floral and chef departments as well as leadership responsibilities for the central kitchen, meat plant, floral design and distribution facility, and food-safety departments.

He joined HEB in 2001, as business development manager for deli, meat and cheese followed by a similar role for foodservice. In his current role, Eardley is responsible for deli procurement and operations.

“I’m looking forward to working with the talented and hard-working IDDBA staff and board and welcome the opportunity to develop and meet new short- and long-term goals that keep the Association relevant and a vital resource for the industry,” Eardley said. “I’ve been active in the association for a number of years; it’s a great association in a great industry and I anticipate getting up to speed quickly.”