Albertsons appoints Mayes SVP, chief diversity officer

Albertsons Cos. has promoted Jonathan Mayes to the role of SVP, external affairs and chief diversity officer. Mayes will be responsible for overseeing and leading Albertsons’ diversity and inclusion efforts, along with the company’s government relations, sustainability and philanthropy departments.  He will be based in Pleasanton, Calif.

“As one of the largest employers in the U.S., Albertsons Cos. has a responsibility to grow a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve and to have a positive and transformative impact on them,” Bob Miller, Chairman and CEO of Albertsons, said in a statement. “Diversity is vital to who we are as a company and I am pleased to have found someone within our team who champions our culture and values.”

Mayes (left) began his grocery industry career in 1991 as senior counsel at American Stores. He joined Safeway in 1994. In 1996, he was named director of government relations, and was later promoted to VP and group VP of government relations. In 2010, he was named SVP of public affairs, government relations, sustainability, philanthropy and diversity affairs, a role he continued to hold following the completion of Safeway’s merger with Albertsons in 2015. 

“I am honored to take on this role and looking forward to continuing to elevate Albertsons Cos.’ outreach, growth and leadership through an even stronger focus on diversity,” Mayes said. “Albertsons Companies has developed a corporate culture that fosters different values, ideas and backgrounds, providing a firm foundation that will enable us to continue to attract a diverse set of talent and help our stores better engage with the local communities we serve.”

Mayes has a Juris Doctor degree from Willamette University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in social science from Warner Pacific College.  He has received the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award from Willamette University for his work regarding diversity and inclusion, and has been honored by the San Francisco Bay Area Minority Bar Coalition for his exemplary service to the community.

Mayes is past chairman of the California Grocers Association, Charles Houston Bar Association, and vice chairman of the Warner Pacific College Board of Trustees.  He was a founding member of the company’s African-American Leadership Network and currently serves on the boards of the California Chamber of Commerce, California Grocers Association, and two community-based organizations.