Events

IGA Centennial Global Rally & Awards Gala

John Ross, IGA President & CEO

John Ross has served as CEO and President of IGA, Inc. since October 2017, overseeing the company's domestic and global operations. With more than 30 years of retail, data science, and marketing experience, he previously held leadership roles at Inmar, Inc. (Chief Marketing Officer/EVP) and The Interpublic Group, where he founded Shopper Sciences and led the IPG Emerging Media Lab. Earlier in his career, he spent 11 years at Home Depot in marketing and e-commerce roles during a period of major international and category expansion.

A recognized expert in shopper analytics and data-driven marketing, Ross is the author of "Fire in the Zoo" and co-author of "The Zero Moment of Truth (ZMOT)." He holds an MBA from Tulane University.

Kasey Lobaugh, Chief Futurist at Deloitte Consumer Industry

Kasey serves as the Chief Futurist for Deloitte Consulting’s Consumer Industry and has spearheaded Deloitte’s research into the changing consumer industry and the resulting implications for businesses.

For more than 27 years, he has worked with many of the world’s largest retailers and consumer industry companies to drive strategies, navigate operational complexities, and spur organizational change. Kasey consults with clients to strategize against the changing competitive landscape and the rapidly evolving consumer. He focuses on broad business-based strategy that will enable innovative customer experiences, operational scalability, and provide outsized return-on-investment.

He is a sought-after public speaker and has been featured in Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Financial Times and other leading publications as an expert on the consumer industry.

Kasey’s career has focused on emerging digital trends and changing business models. He was one of the leaders on the launch of Deloitte’s digital business, Deloitte Digital, and has been recognized as one of the most influential people in the industry.

Bill Aull, Partner at McKinsey & Company

Bill has been a Partner in McKinsey’s Retail practice since 2016 and currently leads the Grocery Sector in North America for the Firm.  His client work spans food retailers of various formats and sizes and he also serves food manufacturers and distributors.  Bill’s client work spans growth strategy, commercial and merchandising topics, as well as broader transformations including supply chain and stores.  Bill co-authored the initial State of Grocery reports in 2021 and 2023 and has recently co-authored the 2026 publication of the State of Grocery.  He’s spoken across industry forums including FMI, NRF, CGF and GroceryShop.  Bill is a graduate of the University of North Carolina and the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business.  He’s married with three children in high school and involved in a number of organizations locally in the Carolinas region.

David Polinchock, Founder & CXO Brand Experience Lab

David is a retail and brand strategist working at the intersection of technology and physical space. A pioneer in experiential advertising, he was among the first to use VR to create immersive brand experiences that resonate emotionally with consumers. Today, he helps retailers and brands navigate the evolving retail landscape, offering expertise in the experience economy, the future of commerce, and Gen Z consumer behavior.

Recognized as a RETHINK Retail Top Retail Expert and RTIH Top 100 Retail Tech Influencer, David is a sought-after speaker known for his sharp insights and forward-thinking approach. A proud father, he believes the most meaningful experiences aren't just created—they're shared.

Grant Ramage, CEO of IGA Australia

Grant was promoted to CEO of Metcash Food in 2023 after four years as Executive General Manager, Merchandise, and a further four years as State General Manager, Supermarkets in WA. He has been a key contributor to the strong performance of both the Food pillar and the IGA network in recent years, working closely with leading retailers and suppliers to improve IGA’s competitive position and deliver sustainable growth.

Prior to joining Metcash in 2015, Grant held several senior roles at Coles Liquor across merchandise, marketing, operational leadership, business development, critical projects, and exclusive brands. His earlier career included 10 years with Oddbins, the UK’s then pre-eminent Wine Merchant, initially in retail stores and then in buying.

Nicole Mericle, 12-time Obstacle Racing World Champion

Nicole Mericle is a 12-time Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) World Champion and elite multi-sport athlete. Her athletic journey began as a Division 1 runner at Rice University, where she set school records and qualified for the 2008 Olympic Trials in the 3,000m steeplechase. Combining her world-class running pedigree with a passion for rock climbing, Nicole transitioned to OCR in 2016 and quickly established a global dynasty, capturing world titles across Spartan Race, Tough Mudder, and OCRWC platforms.

Beyond her physical dominance, which extends to her current spot on the USA Ice Climbing Team, Nicole’s defining chapter began in 2021 following a catastrophic ACL injury. Enduring a complex recovery that required three additional procedures, she engineered a legendary comeback in 2023, claiming multiple world and regional championships. Today, Nicole translates her triumphs and trials into powerful keynotes on resilience, grit, and overcoming setbacks. Passionate about community leadership, she founded the OCR Dream Team to mentor female athletes and amplify women's voices in sports.

The View from the Top Panel

Michael A. Bozzuto is the Chairman, President, and CEO of Bozzuto’s, Inc., a leading organization in the wholesale distribution industry. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, Michael Bozzuto is recognized for his visionary leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to driving growth and innovation. With an eye for opportunity and a knack for retail and wholesale, Michael has grown the family business into a $3 billion dollar company with tenured employees servicing over 1500 retail accounts from Maine to Maryland. Michael’s understanding of retail is evident in his strong relationship with the independent retailers. Michael is the driving force behind Bozzuto’s commitment to the retailers to provide merchandising programs and special events that center around the IGA brand, and focus on the strengths of the independent retailers, and needs of the surrounding communities.

Upon graduating from Stetson University, he started his formal career at Bozzuto’s, Inc., beginning in Administration and working his way up the ladder. Michael served as Executive Vice President before assuming the position of President and CEO in 1994. In September 2002, Michael was appointed Chairman of the Board, replacing Adam J. Bozzuto (deceased). With over 40 years in the food industry, Michael is a member of the IGA Inc. Board of Directors. He is a former member of the National Grocers Association and FMI Board of Directors, the Food Marketing Institute Board of Directors, Food Marketing Institute Wholesale Advisory Board, and was a member of the Board of Trustees, University of Connecticut.

Shane Jacobson is one of Australia’s most loved entertainers, with a career spanning film, television, theatre and live events. He became a household name through his award-winning role in Kenny and has since starred in numerous Australian and international productions. Shane has proudly served as an IGA Ambassador for almost a decade and now represents the broader Metcash family of brands as a Brand Ambassador. Known for his authenticity, humour and strong community values, he is a passionate advocate for supporting local businesses and communities. His genuine connection with Australians makes him a trusted and respected voice across the country.

Doug Jones is the CEO of Metcash Group and an experienced executive with extensive wholesale, retail and eCommerce experience in Canada, South Africa and Australia.

He has held senior finance, supply chain and general management roles at in Makro SA, Massmart Limited, Amalgamated Beverages Industries Limited and The South African Breweries, all in Johannesburg, Coca-Cola Enterprises in Canada, and Deloitte in both Canada and South Africa.

He is a chartered accountant having qualified in South Africa, and registered in both South Africa and Australia and is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Retailer of the Year Panel

Alan Jordan is one of Musgrave’s most respected retailers and the owner-operator of the Jordan Group with stores across Dublin and Kildare. With more than 25 years in independent retail, Alan has built a successful family business known for its strong community focus, retail excellence, and commitment to innovation. Under his leadership, Jordan's Centra stores have consistently delivered outstanding customer experiences and have been recognised at a national level, including Jordan's Centra Castletymon, Tallaght being named Joint National Centra Store of the Year in 2025. Alan is passionate about developing people, supporting local communities, and continually raising standards across his business.

Tyler Myers is president and CEO of The Myers Group, a second-generation family owned business founded in 1978 with three primary areas of focus: retailing, real estate and management services. The company employs approximately 1,000 people and currently owns and operates a number of retail businesses in Alaska, Washington, and Oregon. Seven of these businesses are IGA branded grocery stores. In the years 1999, 2016, and 2020 Tyler was awarded the IGA International Retailer of the year award. In 2007 and 2024 Tyler was awarded the Washington Food Industry Retailer of the Year. Tyler serves on many industry boards including the Washington Food Industry Association where Tyler is the chair of their Governmental Affairs Committee and their Education Foundation. Tyler is the chairman of the Board of both Sound Community Bank and Sound Financial Bancorp. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from Western Washington University where he also received a minor in Environmental Science. In 1988 Tyler graduated from the University of Southern California Food Industry Management Program.

Joseph Romeo is a respected Australian supermarket retailer and Director of the Romeo’s Retail Group, one of the largest independent grocery businesses in Australia. A second-generation member of the Romeo family, Joseph began working in the family business at the age of 12 and has played a key role in its growth in 40 stores across South Australia and New South Wales. Today, the group operates a network of supermarkets renowned for exceptional fresh food, customer service, and strong community engagement. Joseph is passionate about supporting local suppliers, fostering community partnerships, and continuing the family values that have made Romeo’s a leading name in independent retailing. Joesph’s store, Foodland IGA Royal Park, South Australia, won the 2025 Retailer of the year for it’s outstanding retail innovation, store concept, premium fresh food offers and European-inspired shopping experiences.