H-E-B stores president Scott McClelland to retire

H-E-B has confirmed that Scott McClelland, president of H-E-B Food and Drug stores, plans to retire at the end of the year.

News of McClelland’s upcoming retirement emerged in published reports this week. In an email statement, H-E-B President Craig Boyan said McClelland will continue serving on the H-E-B Executive Committee and as an adviser on the Texas grocer’s expansion into the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

“Over his stellar 31-year career with H-E-B, Scott McClelland has been an integral part of our company’s growth and an important voice leading our stores and serving our community,” Boyan stated.

Scott McClelland has become known as the 'H-E-B Guy' through his appearances in the company's TV commercials, including with pro athletes.

McClelland joined H-E-B in March 1990 as vice president of store operations in central Texas, covering the Austin region. He shifted to the San Antonio headquarters in 1991, serving as group vice president of general merchandise, pharmacy and home, health and beauty before being promoted to senior vice president of marketing in 1995. McClelland was elevated again to H-E-B chief merchandising officer in 2000, expanding that role to include the Central Market banner in 2001. He later became president of H-E-B’s Houston operations, more than doubling the chain’s market share, before being promoted again to his current role as president of H-E-B Food and Drug stores in 2017.

Related:H-E-B expands presence in Houston

Prior to H-E-B, McClelland served in sales and marketing roles for 10 years at PepsiCo’s Frito-Lay division.

During his tenure at the supermarket chain, McClelland has become known as the “H-E-B Guy,” starring in TV commercials for the retailer with Texas professional athletes such as JJ Watt, Deshaun Watson, Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa, Craig Biggio, Roger Clemens, Andy Pettitte, DeAndre Hopkins and Justin Reid.

H-E-B said it has set the reporting structure for its divisional store leadership upon McClelland’s departure. With the change, Armando Perez, executive vice president of Houston Food and Drug stores; Bill Anderson, executive vice president of San Antonio Food and Drug stores; and Juan-Carlos Rück, executive vice president of North West Food and Drug stores, will report directly to Boyan.

“They are excellent leaders who will continue to drive our growth throughout Texas,” Boyan added.

Overall, H-E-B’s retail network includes more than 420 stores, including about 360 in Texas and 60 in northeastern Mexico. The company generates annual sales of over $32 billion.

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