Cardenas Markets names Prabash Coswatte as COO

Prabash Coswatte has been promoted to chief operating officer at Hispanic supermarket chain Cardenas Markets.

Ontario, Calif.-based Cardenas said Wednesday that Coswatte, previously chief information and administration officer, now will oversee the company’s store operations, loss prevention, information technology, data integrity, scanning, receiving, maintenance, construction and real estate departments. He continues to report directly to Chairman and CEO Doug Sanders.

“Prabash has proven to be a successful and trusted member of our senior leadership team, who consistently delivers results that drive our business,” Sanders said in a statement. “I’m confident that, through his outstanding leadership and strategic vision, Cardenas Markets is poised for continued success.”

Coswatte (left) joined Cardenas in September 2019 as chief information officer and added the chief administration officer this past February. Before coming to the company, he spent four years as CIO at Vallarta Supermarkets and, prior to that, more than eight years as vice president of enterprise program management at 99 Cents Only Stores. His career also includes roles as senior project manager at Cambridge Associates LLC and senior consultant for Deloitte Consulting.

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The promotion of Coswatte marks Cardenas Markets’ latest C-suite appointment this year. In January, the company elevated Leticia Espinoza to chief legal officer. She joined Cardenas in May 2019 as general counsel and corporate secretary from Hispanic grocer Bodega Latina/El Super, where she served as associate general counsel.

Overall, Cardenas Markets operates 52 stores under the Cardenas banner and seven stores under the Cardenas Ranch Markets banner in California, Nevada and Arizona.

In early August, Cardenas began offering a $1,000 sign-on bonus for new employees in its stores and distribution center. The bonus is available through Sept. 30.

Employee benefits at the chain include a 10% off groceries, discounted lunch from Cardenas Kitchen, vacation pay, education and tuition reimbursement, a COVID-19 vaccination incentive, flexible scheduling and opportunities for professional advancement, the company said.

“Cardenas Markets is seeking candidates for a variety of jobs in our distribution center and stores across our company,” Chief Marketing Officer Adam Salgado stated at the time. “The company is committed to creating good-paying jobs with exceptional benefits in a dynamic work environment where our team members have several opportunities for personal growth and professional advancement.”

Related:Cardenas aims to become largest Hispanic retailer in U.S.