Stater Bros. promotes Keith Thomas to executive vice president-retail operations

Keith Thomas has been promoted at Stater Bros. Markets to the role of executive vice president-retail operations for the 172-store grocery chain based in San Bernardino, Calif. He was previously group senior vice president-retail operations.

In his new role, Thomas — who has spent his entire career at Stater Bros. — will be responsible for overseeing the retail operations of all stores across the company. He will also reinforce Stater Bros.’ commitment to providing its valued customers with a best-in-class shopping experience through stellar in-store customer service. Thomas will continue to serve as a member of the company’s Executive Management Team, which evaluates and sets key strategies for the company. Thomas will report directly to Stater Bros. President Greg McNiff.

“Keith is a valuable member of our Executive Management Team,” said Stater Bros. CEO Pete Van Helden. “This promotion recognizes his outstanding leadership skills and dedication to providing our customers with the best shopping experience in Southern California.”

Thomas (pictured above) joined Stater Bros. in 1981 as courtesy clerk at the company’s Riverside location on Magnolia Ave. He steadily progressed through a range of retail store and supervision roles, holding the positions of store manager, retail grocery supervisor and retail district manager. In 2009, Thomas was promoted to the position of regional vice president-retail operations, and in 2018 was promoted to the role of senior vice president-retail operations. In 2019, he was named group senior vice president-retail operations, his most recent position.

Related:Stater Bros.’ Dennis McIntyre named chief marketing officer