Schnucks Appoints Chief People Officer

Schnuck Markets Inc. has appointed Debra Ogston as its new chief people officer, as which she will lead all aspects of human resources for the St. Louis-based regional grocery chain.

Ogston will also serve on the senior management team that sets the direction for the company. She will report to Anthony Hucker, Schnucks' chief operating officer.

Ogston will transition into the role formerly held by Rick Frede, who announced plans to retire in fall 2015. Formerly a VP of human resources at Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls, Ogston brings 23 years of experience into her duties of overseeing HR functions. Her responsibilities will include talent and leadership development within the organization of 15,000 teammates in stores, offices, warehouses and facilities across the Midwest.

Addressing HR Needs

“Debra has the world-class expertise we need to help set direction and bring a new perspective to how Schnucks identifies, recruits, trains and promotes world-class talent in service of our customers,” Hucker said.

While at Johnson Controls, Ogston was one of a cadre of vice presidents assigned to address HR needs across the organization of 170,000 people. Ogston’s responsibilities then included managing teams engaged in streamlining processes and integrating HR systems in locations around the world.  Prior to that, she worked for food and beverage leaders including E&J Gallo Winery of California, Pepsi Bottling Group and Kraft Foods/Nabisco. 

“Schnucks operates regionally but has a global supply chain so I feel that I am working for a global company," Ogston said. "By leveraging the organization’s capabilities to identify and build talent, we can ensure the best shopping experiences, be the best neighbors in the communities in which we do business and take care of teammates by maintaining fair pay and benefits and providing career development and advancement opportunities.”

Founded in St. Louis in 1939, Schnuck Markets Inc. is celebrating 75 years of serving customers in 2014.  The family-owned company operates 98 stores and 94 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.