Schnucks Taps Former Anheuser‑Busch Prez David Peacock as Prez/COO

David A. Peacock, former president of Anheuser-Busch and an active community leader, has joined fellow St. Louis-based company Schnuck Markets Inc. as its new president and COO.

Bringing the seasoned executive to its helm marks a significant development for the regional retailer and “will help us set a strong course for the future,” according to Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. Citing Peacock’s “entrepreneurial spirit, vision, drive and extensive business background,” Schnuck said that “his counsel and leadership on our company’s advisory board have been instrumental in positioning Schnucks for growth. Further, his commitment to St. Louis and the region is aligned with Schnucks’ commitment to superior customer experience and community support.” Schnuck also praised Peacock’s “strong values and a leadership style that will fit well within the Schnucks’ culture.”

Peacock, who joins a management team with an average industry experience of more than 20 years, will oversee procurement/merchandising, operations, marketing/communications and supply chain for a company whose 100 stores and 14,000 teammates span five states.

“This is a tremendous company and opportunity,” noted Peacock. “Our teammates are focused on serving customers, delivering quality products and making Schnucks the best grocery-shopping experience in the region.” Among the priorities Peacock will lead in his new role will be working closely  with “Todd and his management team … on continuous improvement and innovation that will assure industry leadership, customer service and community support for the long term.”

Peacock managed U.S. operations for Anheuser-Busch, a wholly owned subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch InBev, from 2008 through early 2012, and was responsible for the commercial success of Anheuser-Busch during its integration with InBev in the United States. In 2008, Peacock led the negotiating team for Anheuser-Busch during the merger with InBev – the largest all-cash transaction in history at the time.

Peacock joined Anheuser-Busch in 1992 and served in many roles in management, finance and marketing. At various times, he led the financial planning, mergers and acquisitions, information technology, procurement and route-to-market development as well as several groups within marketing. He was named VP of marketing for Anheuser-Busch in 2007, when he led the revitalization of the company’s marketing approach.

Peacock is dedicated to his local and extended communities, and he serves on the boards of directors of several charitable and civic organizations, including chairman of the St. Louis Sports Commission. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame board of trustees, he is also a member of St. Louis’ CityArchRiver board, where he co-chaired the initial campaign, helping to raise $180 million for the new Arch grounds revitalization.

Peacock formerly served as chairman of the Beer Institute, the U.S. beer industry’s policy organization in Washington D.C., and was also previously chairman of the St. Louis chapter of the American Red Cross.

Peacock’s Vitaligent LLC, which owns 78 Jamba Juice stores in Northern California and Missouri, posted $61 million in sales and is Jamba Juice’s largest franchisee. He is also an investor in Crushed Red, an elevated fast-casual restaurant with locations in St. Louis, Denver, Columbia and Kansas City.

Peacock has been a member of Schnucks’ advisory board since July 2013, but he will give up that role in his new position.

A native of St. Louis, Peacock holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Kansas. He also holds a master’s degree in business administration from Washington University in St. Louis, from which he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2009. He lives in St. Louis with his wife and three children.