BOSTON, MA – Founder John Lert of Alert Innovation, a leader in grocery automation and micro fulfillment systems, was named a Food Logistics Rock Star of the Supply Chain for 2022. The annual list recognizes influential individuals in the industry whose achievements, hard work and vision have shaped the global cold food supply chain.

“Behind every great company is an even greater leader. And, the supply chain leaders receiving this award are no exception,” says Marina Mayer, Editor-in-Chief of Food Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive. “Within the last 18 months or so, the cold food chain has seen a lot of rock stars rise to the occasion. These rock stars developed platforms, integrated automation and led teams through disruption after disruption. They’ve helped their companies pivot and adapt, and continue to do so with grace, agility, flexibility and resilience. These rock stars are strong in so many ways. Congratulations to the true rock stars of the supply chain, who continue to keep the cold food chain moving.”

In selecting the Lert, Food Logistics highlighted his background as an inventor, entrepreneur and a leading visionary in the areas of robotics, micro fulfillment centers, grocery, retail and wholesale automation.

“I am honored by this recognition by Food Logistics,” said Lert.  “I have been very fortunate to have worked with many talented and dedicated professionals and partners during my career, especially the team at Alert Innovation. My success is the direct result of their hard work and belief in me, and I am deeply grateful to all of them.”

Recipients of this year’s award will be profiled in Food Logistics’ Jan/Feb 2022 print issue as well as online at www.FoodLogistics.com. Go to https://www.foodlogistics.com/awards to learn more about other Food Logistics’ awards. For more information about Alert Innovation, visit www.alertinnovation.com.

BOSTON – Alert Innovation, a leader in grocery automation and micro fulfillment systems, is adding former Raley’s Chief Operations Officer Kevin Konkel to its Retail Advisory Council (RAC) effective immediately.

“The retail grocery industry is facing several critical challenges and opportunities as we emerge from the pandemic. Automation in general and automated micro fulfillment specifically will help address many of these issues head on,” said Konkel. “I’m excited to draw on my decades of experience to help Alert Innovation tailor-fit its solutions to the supermarket pain points and opportunities accelerated during the last two years.”

Konkel spent over 40 years at Raley’s Family of Fine Stores, a supermarket chain operating about 250 locations in California and the Southwest, the last four as Chief Operations Officer. He was previously Senior Vice President of Store Operations and served Raley’s in many other roles during his career.

“Kevin will add an important perspective to the RAC, giving Alert Innovation the benefit of all the skills he’s developed during his four decades of success in supermarket retail as an industry leader. We look forward to collaborating with him,” said John Lert, Founder and Executive Chairman of Alert Innovation.

The RAC is an alliance of executives and academics with expertise in grocery, retail, consumer behavior and e-commerce, and was established to influence development efforts at Alert Innovation focused on improving omnichannel grocery experiences. In addition to Konkel, members include:

• Peter Fader – Professor of Marketing – The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
• Chris Haimbach – US Head of Sales, Commercial Strategy & Operations, Consumer Health Care – Bayer
• Ann Raider – Executive, Global Retail – IRI
• Peter Larkin – Former President & CEO – National Grocers Association
• Doug Straton – Former Chief Digital Officer at The Hershey Company
• Venky Shankar – Coleman Chair Professor, Director of Research – Center for Retailing Studies at Mays Business School, Texas A&M

About Alert Innovation, Inc

Alert Innovation^® is a thought leader in Grocery automation, driving innovation that improves lives by transforming how retailers operate and people shop. Alert Innovation is an industry leader in robotic e-grocery fulfillment. The Alphabot^® system, designed by the Alert Innovation team is a unique automated fulfillment solution that utilizes patented omnidirectional robots in a temperature-controlled system for fresh, efficient, and high-quality grocery fulfillment. Alert Innovation also designed the Novastore™, a store concept utilizing the Alphabot system, delivering a dynamic and efficient shopping experience. www.alertinnovation.com

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