Gelson’s promotes John Bagan to CEO

Southern California grocer Gelson’s Markets has named John Bagan chief executive officer. Bagan, who will also keep his role of president, replaces CEO Rob McDougall who just retired after 15 years.

Bagan, who was promoted to president from chief operating officer in July 2022, will assume greater responsibility for Gelson’s overall vision, business, and growth strategy, as well as managing relationships with the board of directors and parent company Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH), the company said.
 

Prior to joining Gelson’s as chief merchandising officer in 2016, Bagan held high-level merchandising and supply chain roles at Guitar Center, Albertson's, and Target. He began his career as a business analyst for Morgan Stanley before receiving his MBA in marketing from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

Along with Bagan’s elevation to CEO, Gelson’s promoted Rich Gillmore to vice president of center store and Sean Saenz to vice president fresh foods.

 In addition, the company announced key title changes to reflect additional responsibilities:

The management moves follow the ratification of a new labor contract by Gilson’s employees last May. 

Under the agreement, most associates, represented by six United Food and Commercial Workers locals in Southern and Central California, will receive wage hikes of $4.25 per hour over the three-year contract, and some classifications will get higher pay raises. The pact also guarantees a minimum of 28 hours a week for eligible part-time employees and cuts the time required to advance in the wage scale.

Encino, Calif.-based Gelson's operates 27 premium food markets in Southern California.