The International Dairy-Deli-Bakery Association (IDDBA), Madison, WI, named Michael J. Eardley as its new president and CEO. He succeeds Carol Christison, who died in March, after leading the association for 31 years.

Eardley will join IDDBA on Aug. 25 from HEB Grocery Co., San Antonio, where he has worked the past 13 years in various roles with increasing responsibility, becoming the director of deli, cheese and prepared foods in 2009.

“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,” says Ed Meyer, vice president of meat and seafood, at Schnuck Markets, St. Louis, and a search committee member. “He’s highly respected in the industry, passionate about the association, and has the ability and experience to lead the strategic planning process.”

Eardley’s career in grocery began while he was in grade school, working in the family supermarket. He spent 29 years working for D&W Food Centers in Grand Rapids, MI. Eardley was director of foodservice when D&W opened its first restaurant and central kitchen. He later became vice president of fresh foods, heading up 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.

In 2001, HEB Supermarkets hired Eardley to join its team 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 says. “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.”

Eardley is also a past chairman of the IDDBA board and was recognized as a Chairman’s Award winner for his outstanding contributions to the industry and association.