Supervalu Names Banner Chiefs

As part of Supervalu Inc.’s Monday announcement of executive changes, President and CEO Sam Duncan named the new leaders of the Minneapolis-based grocer’s retail banners.

Ritchie Casteel has been named president and CEO of the St. Louis-based hard-discount Save-A-Lot chain, effective immediately. Casteel has more than 40 years of experience in retail, including three decades in a variety of leadership positions with the original Albertsons Inc., where he finished his tenure as VP of operations for Albertsons’ Intermountain West Division.

As director of sales and operations for Grocery Outlet from 2005 to 2009, Casteel worked closely with independent owner operators to improve sales, margin, shrink, marketing, expense controls and financial balance. Casteel replaces Santiago Roces, who will remain with the company over the next several weeks to assist Casteel in ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.

Eric Hymas has been named president of St. Louis-based Shop ‘N Save, replacing Marlene Gebhard, who will remain with the company over the next several weeks to assist Hymas in his transition. Hymas most recently served as senior VP of merchandising for Supervalu, which included responsibility for all categories across center store, as well as beverages, fuel and convenience, and fresh departments. Hymas has more than 30 years of experience in grocery retail having started his career in an Albertsons store in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

Bill Parker has been named president of Virginia-based Farm Fresh, after serving for the past seven months in the role of interim president. His appointment is effective immediately.

Brian Audette will continue as president of Minnesota-based Cub Foods, Matt Leiseth will continue as president of North Dakota-based Hornbacher’s, and Bob Bly will continue as president of Baltimore/Washington, D.C.-based Shoppers.

Together, these five regional banners operate 191 traditional retail grocery stores and represent slightly more than 25 percent of the company’s anticipated revenues after the banner sale is complete, according to Supervalu. The five banner presidents will report directly to Duncan and serve on his leadership team.
 

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