Dave Van Howe

Dave leverages firsthand merchandising acumen, marketplace insights, and a deep understanding of retailer strategies honed over his more than 30 years in retail to help MPG clients achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence. His experience includes all phases of retail purchasing, supply chain planning, forecasting, and operations at key retailers, including Walgreens, CVS, Arbor Drugs, and Kmart.

Prior to joining MPG, Dave served as the Corporate VP of Purchasing and New Business Development at Walgreens, responsible for vision, strategy, and execution in merchandising, promotional planning, and category management across every front end category. He was known for establishing productive, collaborative vendor relationships and for innovative format reinvention, helping to develop and drive the organization-wide adoption of Customer Centric Retailing.

Dave started his career at Kmart, achieving the distinction of being named the youngest District Manager for the chain’s Central Region. His background in store operations helps him to intimately understand requirements for superior customer service and retail execution, especially for new item launches and promotional events.

Over the course of his impressive industry career, Dave was recognized by MMR with the People Who Make a Difference and Private Label Executive of the Year awards.