Naperville, Illinois, United States, August 2025 – Dan Best has been appointed as Chief Human Resources Officer at KeHE Distributors, marking a significant leadership addition to the company’s executive team. With over two decades of strategic HR leadership experience across logistics, retail, hospitality, and distribution, Dan brings a people-first mindset and a track record of transformation to support KeHE’s mission to serve and feed America through its expansive natural and organic distribution network.
Before joining KeHE, Dan served as EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer at Total Quality Logistics (TQL) for more than four years, where he led a comprehensive people strategy across one of the largest freight brokerage firms in the U.S. He was instrumental in designing talent development programs, executing high-impact rewards strategies, and scaling HR systems to support over 9,800 employees nationwide.
Earlier, Dan was EVP and CHRO at The Service Companies, a leading hospitality services provider, where he managed people operations across 500+ locations in 43 states and internationally. He spearheaded initiatives that improved employee engagement, streamlined HR delivery, and supported large-scale workforce integration across diverse environments.
He also spent over six years with AutoNation, ascending to roles including SVP of HR Field Operations and VP, Senior Human Resources Officer. During his tenure, he led the transformation of HR from a tactical support function into a strategic business partner, delivering measurable outcomes in retention, productivity, and leadership development.
Dan’s early career includes more than a decade at Walmart, where he held progressive HR leadership roles supporting logistics, store operations, and market teams. His responsibilities spanned compliance, workforce development, recruiting, and performance management for tens of thousands of associates across the Midwest and Southeast.
In addition to his corporate leadership, Dan has served on advisory boards for Airvet, University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, and Cincinnati Works, showcasing his commitment to community impact and strategic HR advancement in both business and education.
About KeHE Distributors
KeHE Distributors is a leading U.S. distributor of natural & organic, specialty, and fresh products with a mission to serve and feed America. As a certified B Corporation, KeHE is dedicated to sustainability, equity, and goodness. With a network of 19 distribution centers and 7,900+ employee-owners, KeHE partners with retailers and brands across North America to deliver high-quality food with a focus on purpose-driven business. The company is widely recognized for its people-centered values and commitment to innovation in food distribution.
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