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Raley’s chief operations officer Kevin Konkel to retire

44-year veteran of California grocery chain to step down in January

Michael Browne, Executive Editor

November 17, 2021

2 Min Read
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Kevin Konkel will step down as chief operating officer of Raley's in January, after 44 years with the company.Raley's

West Sacramento, Calif.-based Raley’s has announced the retirement of chief operations officer Kevin Konkel, effective Jan. 7, 2022, ending a nearly four-and-a-half-decade career with the 124-store grocery chain.

The company has yet to name a successor or interim replacement, but said it would announce a series of leadership changes in the weeks and months ahead.

“Kevin is the epitome of a ‘service leader,’” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s president & CEO. “His knowledge, professionalism and leadership have been a source of stability and inspiration. Kevin is far more than just a business leader; he is a kind and thoughtful person who treats all people with respect and grace. He has been a source of trust and hope for the people of Raley’s. After 44 years, he is leaving our organization an even stronger and better place than it would have been otherwise.”

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Konkel (left) started with Bel Air Markets in 1978 as a bagger working with his father, Richard “Rich” Konkel. The younger Konkel progressed through the ranks and joined Raley’s upon the acquisition of Bel Air in 1993. He advanced through the larger Raley’s organization from roles in store to becoming a district leader to leading the remote market in New Mexico and finally to the support center. Konkel held senior roles in sales and merchandising, store operations and marketing before becoming a key member of the executive leadership team in his role as chief operations officer.

Related:Raley’s builds up leadership team with two longtime execs

“I’ve watched Kevin grow from a fine young man to an outstanding person and leader. His contribution and impact on Raley’s are indelible. Kevin is a man of integrity, kindness and fortitude. I am forever grateful for his dedication to Raley’s and the people he has helped over these many years,” said Mike Teel, Raley’s owner & chairman.

“On behalf of our owner, board of directors, executive leadership team and myself, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for Kevin’s leadership and contribution. We wish he, Lynette and their family the very best in this next chapter,” said Knopf.

In October, Raley’s announced plans to acquire Arizona grocer Bashas’ Family of Stores, which will create a supermarket company with more than 200 stores in four Western states stretching from Northern California to New Mexico. Under the deal, Bashas’ will operate as a Raley’s subsidiary company and maintain its Chandler, Ariz., corporate headquarters as well as its distribution center in Arizona and store banners. 

About the Author

Michael Browne

Executive Editor, Supermarket News

Michael Browne joined Supermarket News in 2018 after serving in managing and executive editor capacities at leading B2B media brands including Convenience Store NewsLicense Global and Travel Agent. He also previously served as content production manager for print and digital in the Business Intelligence division of Informa, parent company of Supermarket News and Nation’s Restaurant News.

As executive editor, Mike oversees the editorial content of supermarketnews.com as well as the monthly print publication. He also directs all content-based brand-related projects including the annual Top 75 Retailers report, Category Guide, Retailer of the Year, research surveys and special reports, as well as podcast and webinar content. Mike has also presented and moderated at industry events.

In addition to the positions mentioned above, Mike has also worked as a writer and/or editor for special projects at American Legal Media (ALM), managing editor for Tobacco International, special projects editor at American Banker • Bond Buyer, and as production editor for Bank Technology News and other related financial magazines and journals published by Faulkner & Gray.

A graduate of Fordham University, Mike is based in New York City, where he was born and raised.

Contact Mike at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

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