Bashas’ Family of Stores adds Sue Klug to board of directors

Bashas’ Family of Stores, the Chandler, Ariz.-based owner and operator of Food City, AJ's Fine Foods, Eddie's Country Store, and both Bashas' and Bashas' Diné supermarkets, on Monday appointed retail and sustainability expert Sue Klug to its board and named Steve Mayer senior vice president of marketing, merchandising and procurement for its more than 100 grocery stores across Arizona.

Klug’s expertise spans operations, finance and marketing in the grocery industry. Most recently, she was executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Republic Services, a national recycling and non-hazardous waste disposal company based in Phoenix.

Klug (left) has served on the board of directors for Gelson’s Markets and as the executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Unified Grocers. In the latter half of her 10-year tenure at Albertsons, Klug served as president of its Southern California Division, overseeing operations and finances for stores across California and Nevada. Prior to those roles, she led the sales and marketing for all Vons and Pavilions stores across Southern California and Southern Nevada.

“Not only does Sue bring decades of insights that will help mold our member training, development and internal communications systems but she also provides invaluable guidance on key market trends and sustainability efforts as we expand our grocery rescue and recycling programs,” said Edward “Trey” Basha, president of Bashas’ Family of Stores. “Her perspective will be essential as we continue forging our path of growth and local leadership in our communities.”

Related:Bashas’ Diné Markets teams with COVID-19 relief fund to supply PPE to Navajo Nation

As an industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, Mayer (left) brings his deep understanding of merchandising planning, pricing strategies, store layouts and marketing to Bashas’ Family of Stores. He comes to Bashas’ from Schnuck Markets, where he progressed to the role of chief merchant and member of the executive strategy team after serving as group vice president of produce, floral and deli. He also served in executive roles at Meijer, Bi-Lo, Ahold USA and Flavor 1st, where he served as company president.

“With a highly specialized skillset and innovative approach to the industry, Steve has a solid track record of generating measurable results,” Basha said. “Steve is already playing a vital role in evolving relationships within the vendor community, while reinforcing the deep-seated commitment we have to our customers.” 

In his new role, Mayer is leading technological advances for Bashas’. He was instrumental in introducing Hypersonix, an artificial intelligence platform that provides insights on consumer behavior to enhance sales and analyze promotions. Under his direction, Bashas’ is also enhancing its e-commerce platforms and services to improve grocery delivery, curbside pickup and personalized offers for customers. He is also continuing infrastructure investments that result in an easier and smoother customer shopping experience.

Related:Bashas’ expands Double Up Food Bucks to encourage healthy shopping