Don Crombie, a pillar of the grocery industry and co-founder of one of Canada’s largest brokerages, Crombie Kennedy Sales, has passed away. He was 83 years old.
In the 1960s he worked with General Foods in progressively senior roles. In 1977, he formed Crombie Kennedy Sales in partnership with the late John Currie. By the time the business was sold in 2007 (now Advantage Solutions) Don, it had become the largest national food brokerage in Canada. For many years, he co-chaired GIFT, which supported many children’s charities. He officially retired in 2009.
Grocery Business’ Jim Slomka, who first met Crombie in 1983, says he was “a class act, a real gentleman and one of the all-time greats in the CPG industry.”
Brent Scowen, vice president of sales for Prana, describes Crombie as an “icon of the industry, a role model to many, including me, a trail-blazing leader and a consummate professional.”
David Johnston, executive vice president and general manager at Acosta Canada says he “was a true leader in our industry.”
Julie Sutton, senior director of supply chain at Loblaw Company Limited worked with Crombie-Kennedy for many years and says she has lots of “great memories, particularly the many fundraisers.”
Monty Hall, left, with Audrey and Don Crombie. Image from Jim Slomka
