Schnucks names new chief merchant and first chief growth officer

Schnuck Markets, Inc. named Kim Gray chief merchant, succeeding Ryan Cuba, who was named the grocer’s first chief growth officer.

Schnucks announced on Tuesday that the positions are effective Sept. 2. 

Gray previously served in senior merchandising roles at Ahold Delhaize USA, Hannaford Supermarkets, and Food Lion, the company said in a press release. She will oversee the grocer’s strategic vision for merchandising strategy, category management, procurement, assortment, pricing, promotions, and supplier diversity. 

“Kim steps into this role ready to lead thanks to her depth of category management leadership in fresh and center store, her experience in e-commerce and her keen eye for merchandising,” said Ted Schnuck, executive vice president of Supermarkets. “Her passion for developing talent as well as for serving customers position her for success as she returns to the Midwest for this leadership role with Schnucks.”

In his new role, Cuba will oversee strategic planning, acquisitions, business development, real estate, store design, construction and maintenance. He previously held leadership roles in store operations and business development at Schnucks. 

“With his cross-functional retail experience and understanding of our business from merchandising to store operations, Ryan is the ideal leader to step into this role as we position Schnucks for growth,” said David Bell, executive vice president, chief financial and administrative officer. “He was responsible for a number of successful moments in our company’s history, including the sale of our pharmacy business to CVS as well as the integration of 19 Shop ‘n Save stores.”

St. Louis, Mo.-based Schnucks employs 12,000 people and operates 114 stores in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.