New Leadership Announcement
From CEO and Chairmain, Dion Houchins, "I am pleased to announce the promotion of two talented Houchens Food Group leaders. First, I am excited to announce the promotion of Greg Rush to the position of President of Houchens Food Group. Greg is an industry veteran and very deserving of this promotion. I look forward to working closely with Greg and I know he will do a terrific job leading this proud company. I am also delighted to share that Craig Knies has been promoted to the position of Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Merchandising for Houchens Food Group. We are fortunate to have an experienced, industry veteran such as Craig to fill this very important role."
Greg Rush’s retail experience began at age 15 with a local independent grocer. While attending Western Kentucky University, he worked full-time in Dollar General’s Scottsville, KY distribution center, interned with various departments, and upon graduation, joined the Internal Audit department before transitioning into Merchandising where he had the opportunity to lead sourcing and category management for numerous departments. In 2009, Greg joined Houchens Food Group as a Convenience Category Manager and has served in roles of increasing responsibility until most recently serving as Chief Marketing Officer and Vice President of Merchandising since 2021.
In addition to his professional roles, Greg is actively involved with several professional and charitable boards. He has been a Board Member of Alliance Retail Group since 2018 and has served as Chairman of the Board since December 2022. He is also a Board Member of IGA, Inc., and in 2024, he joined the boards of Houchens Food Group and Feeders Pet Supply. Greg served on the Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Board, the Boys and Girls Club of the Bowling Green Area, and was the President of the Kentucky Area Council for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Greg holds a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Accounting from Western Kentucky University.
Craig Knies is an industry veteran having served in various roles of increasing responsibility over his 40 year career. He most recently served Houchens Food Group as the Vice President of Retail Operations North Division and has been with the organization for 16 years. His well-rounded retail career includes positions that have provided him invaluable experience in operations, sales, and merchandising.
Craig Knies said, “My passion is being able to work with great people toward a unified goal of success.”
Craig earned his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Finance from Indiana State University and serves on the National Retail Advisory Board with IGA. He is also on theLeadership Council and Board of Directors for the Red Cross Southwest Indiana chapter.
