The National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors (NAW) appointed Eric Hoplin as CEO, effective October 19. Hoplin will succeed current CEO Dirk Van Dongen, who will retire after a 41-year tenure leading the NAW.
Throughout the pandemic and recession, wholesaler-distributors have kept America’s supply-chain running, ensuring businesses have the goods they need to serve their customers,” Hoplin said in a prepared statement. “I am honored and excited to join NAW and to advocate on some of the most important issues facing this critical industry. I look forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that has been the hallmark under Dirk Van Dongen’s leadership at NAW.”
Hoplin currently serves as the head of external relations for Wells Fargo & Company in Washington, D.C. In the role, Hoplin has led a team that drives Wells Fargo’s reputation and policy priorities by partnering with non-government organizations, think tanks, trade associations, advocacy groups, academic institutions, and charitable organizations.
“I am delighted to welcome Eric to NAW, and I am confident he is the right person to lead the organization forward,” Van Dongen said. “Eric is an incredibly talented executive and demonstrated leader who understands the real challenges facing American workers and businesses in the current crisis and beyond.”
The NAW is the largest distribution public policy association in the United States that represents wholesaler-distributors and a federation of international, national, regional, state, and local associations and their member firms.
