Groupex is pleased to announce the appointment of Rick Davey as President & CEO. Rick has been with Groupex for more than 25 years, bringing a deep understanding of the business, strong industry relationships, and a commitment to supporting foodservice operators across Canada.
There is something powerful about a leader who has grown within a company, someone who understands the business not just from strategy, but from experience, relationships, and time spent in the field. For Rick, stepping into the role of President & CEO is not just a promotion; it is the continuation of a journey that began in 1999, built on a deep connection to people and a genuine commitment to helping others succeed.
A journey rooted in relationships
Rick’s career at Groupex started where it matters most: in the field. As a sales representative, he worked directly with operators, gaining firsthand insight into the realities of running a foodservice business. Those early experiences taught him that success in this industry is not built on transactions but on trust, consistency, and relationships developed over time.
From there, his path evolved naturally. Over the years, Rick took on a series of leadership roles, including regional manager, director of sales, and, most recently, Vice President of Sales & Operations. In each position, his responsibilities expanded, but his focus remained the same: stay close to members and support the team behind them.
Looking back, Rick doesn’t define his journey by the positions he has held, but by the people who shaped it. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with incredible mentors and people throughout my career,” he shared. “That’s what made the journey meaningful.” That perspective continues to influence how he leads today, with a strong emphasis on collaboration, respect, and understanding.
One lesson in particular has stayed with him since the beginning. Early in his career, a mentor emphasized the importance of honesty and transparency, values that Rick has deeply embedded.
“Everything I do, with our partners, employees, and members, is rooted in being honest and transparent.”
At Groupex, those values are reflected in the way the organization operates every day: being open about how programs work, clearly demonstrating value, and building trust that lasts over time.
Leading with people first
When asked what has been the most rewarding part of his career, Rick’s answer comes without hesitation: people. Helping others succeed, whether it’s a member growing their business or a team member developing in their role, has always driven him. “Seeing our members achieve their goals and knowing that our team played a part in that success is incredibly fulfilling,” he shared. For Rick, the impact of Groupex goes far beyond programs or pricing. It’s about being part of something meaningful in someone else’s journey.
That mindset also shapes how he sees Groupex’s role in the industry today. In a time when operators are facing increasing pressure, what they need most is not complexity; it’s trust. “They’re looking for someone who has their best interest in mind,” Rick said. It’s a simple idea, but one that influences everything from how Groupex negotiates with partners to how the team supports members on a daily basis.
After more than 25 years with Groupex, Rick has seen the company grow and evolve, but he remains focused on what has stayed constant: the people, partners, members, and the team who drive its success.
That belief is also what defines the culture within Groupex. It is a team built on collaboration and shared purpose, where people genuinely care about the work they do and the impact they have. Rick himself thrives in that environment. “I love spending time with people,” he shared. Whether it’s meeting with members, working alongside colleagues, or building relationships with partners, that human connection remains at the center of everything he does.
Outside of work, that same appreciation for time and relationships shows up in a different way. Rick has been a collector since he was four years old, when his grandmother gave him his first coin set. What started as a small gift became a lifelong habit, built on patience, curiosity, and an appreciation for things that grow in value over time. “I’m always looking for the next great deal or the next great find,” he said.
In many ways, that mindset reflects how he approaches his work. It’s not about quick wins or short-term gains. It’s about building something meaningful, piece by piece, whether that’s a relationship, a partnership, or a business.
Looking ahead
As Rick steps into his new role, his focus is not on changing what has made Groupex successful, but on continuing to build on it. He speaks often about the importance of understanding the company’s “why”, the reason behind the work they do every day. For him, that purpose is clear: to remain relevant, to continue evolving, and to support foodservice operators in a way that makes a difference.
Rick’s journey is a reflection of what Groupex stands for. It is built on trust, shaped by experience, and grounded in relationships. While his title may have changed, his leadership has not. It remains rooted in the same values that guided him from the very beginning.
As Groupex looks ahead, there is a strong sense of continuity, staying true to core values while continuing to grow. Under Rick’s leadership, the future feels steady and full of possibility.
“At Groupex, our goal is to stand beside you as a trusted partner, supporting your business in every possible way.”
