Sponsored By

Stater Bros. promotes retail operations chief

Keith Thomas joins executive management committee

Russell Redman

January 16, 2019

2 Min Read
Supermarket News logo in a gray background | Supermarket News

Keith Thomas has been promoted to group senior vice president of retail operations at Stater Bros. Markets.

The Southern California grocery chain said yesterday that the move makes Thomas a member of the executive management committee, which formulates company strategy. He previously held the title of senior VP of retail operations.

Keith_Thomas_Stater_Bros.pngIn the new role, Thomas (left) will continue to lead Stater Bros.’ retail operations and training departments and oversee the operation of all the San Bernardino, Calif.-based grocer’s 172 supermarkets. He reports directly to President George Frahm.

Thomas has more than 38 years of experience in grocery retailing, starting at Stater Bros. in 1981 as a courtesy clerk at the chain’s Riverside store on Magnolia Avenue. Over the years, he steadily advanced in retail store and management roles — including store manager, retail grocery supervisor and retail district manager —  before being elevated to regional VP of retail operations in 2009. Thomas was promoted to the role of senior VP of retail operations last year.

“Keith is a well-respected and valuable member of our Stater Bros. family. Keith has consistently demonstrated a passion for the supermarket business in addition to stellar leadership skills,” Frahm said in a statement. “But most importantly, he truly cares about our valued customers and the loyal members of the Stater Bros. family.  His commitment and dedication will continue to be instrumental to providing our customers with the best shopping experience in Southern California.”

Related:Stater Bros. to close its pharmacies

Thomas’ promotion marked the second in a month for Stater Bros. In mid-December, the retailer announced the appointment of Michael Reed as senior vice president of real estate and development. He previously was vice president of real estate. The promotion came with the retirement of Scott Limbacher, who stepped down as vice president of construction and maintenance after over 44 years of service with the company.

And last week, Stater Bros. held grand reopenings for remodeled stores in Artesia, Highland and Menifee, Calif. Enhancements at the stores included the addition of energy-efficient LED lighting, new wood laminate flooring and FujiSan hand-crafted sushi, as well as a fresh-cut fruit station and an expanded selection of wine and beer at the Highland location.

This spring, Stater Bros. expects to break ground on a new, 44,662-square-foot store in Ontario, Calif., which will be the retailer’s fourth location in that community.

About the Author

Russell Redman

Senior Editor
Supermarket News

Russell Redman has served as senior editor at Supermarket News since April 2018, his second tour with the publication. In his current role, he handles daily news coverage for the SN website and contributes news and features for the print magazine, as well as participates in special projects, podcasts and webinars and attends industry events. Russ joined SN from Racher Press Inc.’s Chain Drug Review and Mass Market Retailers magazines, where he served as desk/online editor for more than nine years, covering the food/drug/mass retail sector. 

Russell Redman’s more than 30 years of experience in journalism span a range of editorial manager, editor, reporter/writer and digital roles at a variety of publications and websites covering a breadth of industries, including retailing, pharmacy/health care, IT, digital home, financial technology, financial services, real estate/commercial property, pro audio/video and film. He started his career in 1989 as a local news reporter and editor, covering community news and politics in Long Island, N.Y. His background also includes an earlier stint at Supermarket News as center store editor and then financial editor in the mid-1990s. Russ holds a B.A. in journalism (minor in political science) from Hofstra University, where he also earned a certificate in digital/social media marketing in November 2016.

Russell Redman’s experience:

Supermarket News - Informa
Senior Editor 
April 2018 - present

Chain Drug Review/Mass Market Retailers - Racher Press
Desk/Online Editor 
Sept. 2008 - March 2018

CRN magazine - CMP Media
Managing Editor
May 2000 - June 2007

Bank Systems & Technology - Miller Freeman
Executive Editor/Managing Editor
Dec. 1996 - May 2000

Supermarket News - Fairchild Publications
Financial Editor/Associate Editor
April 1995 - Dec. 1996 

Shopping Centers Today Magazine - ICSC 
Desk Editor/Assistant Editor
Dec. 1992 - April 1995

Testa Communications
Assistant Editor/Contributing Editor (Music & Sound Retailer, Post, Producer, Sound & Communications and DJ Times magazines)
Jan. 1991 - Dec. 1992 

American Banker/Bond Buyer
Copy Editor
Oct. 1990 - Jan. 1991 

This Week newspaper - Chanry Communications
Reporter/Editor
May 1989 - July 1990

Stay up-to-date on the latest food retail news and trends
Subscribe to free eNewsletters from Supermarket News

You May Also Like