What Innovation in Grocery Looks Like Now

David Ian Gray is a recognized expert on retail and shopper trends, consistently producing high-impact knowledge for over 30 years. With his team of experts at DIG360, David provides fresh counsel across Canada to Founders, CEOs and other executives on defining customer-relevance, rethinking customer-experience and tailoring roadmaps for evolving their retail concepts during times of change. He presents on emerging retail trends, the role of retail in a sustainable future, the need for strategic adaptation and management of innovation, and other drivers of transformation.

David has taught senior executives globally for the prestigious London Business School, emerging Marketers at the Schulich School of Business and BCIT, and is widely sought for insight by business media. Most recently, he was the co-founder and co-host of The Business of Retail podcast.

Ken began his career in the retail food industry more than 25 years ago, specialising in merchandising, marketing, private label procurement and global sourcing. Having joined Calgary Co-op in 2014, he provides overall leadership to the organization, developing and ensuring the implementation of strategic direction and business plans for attaining corporate, financial and operational objectives.

He deeply values the culture at Co-op, which focuses on serving members and nurturing team members, and how it is reflected in Co-op’s stores, where team members continuously demonstrate their commitment to 3 core values – Service, Caring, and Excellence.

Ken also holds an ICD.D designation and has served on the ProAction Cops & Kids board, a not-for-profit with the goal of providing an environment for cops and kids to socialize, making the police less intimidating to youth in the community. When it comes to local products and his favourite Cal & Gary’s products – “My favorite local products are the samosa chips sold in the Deli – I love their flavor and texture. My favourite Cal & Gary’s products are the ice cream cookie sandwiches in any flavour!”

Ken also serves on the following boards:

• Canadian Food Innovation Network Board of Directors – Chair of Governance, Nomination and Risk Committee
• The Chamber of Commerce – Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee