Bashas’ Adds to Its Leadership Team

Signaling a sharpened focus on customer experience, sustainability and technology, Bashas’ Family of Stores has made appointed Sue Klug to its board of directors and Steve Mayer as SVP of marketing, merchandising and procurement.

Klug’s experience includes guiding strategy and operations for some of the nation’s leading grocery chains, including serving on the board of directors for Gelson’s Markets and as the EVP and chief marketing officer for Unified Grocers. In the latter half of her 10-year tenure at Albertsons, Klug was 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.

Most recently, she was EVP and chief marketing officer for Republic Services, a national recycling and nonhazardous waste disposal company based in Phoenix.

Sue Klug

“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 Chandler, Ariz.-based Bashas’. “Her perspective will be essential as we continue forging our path of growth and local leadership in our communities.”

Mayer has more than 30 years of experience in the grocery industry, with a deep understanding of merchandising planning, pricing strategies, store layouts and marketing. He most recently was with Schnuck Markets, where he was chief merchant and a member of its executive strategy team and previously group VP of produce, floral and deli. He also served in executive roles at Meijer, Bi-Lo, Ahold USA and Flavor 1st, where he was appointed the company’s president.

Steve Mayer

“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.” 

Bashas' is a family-owned company with more than 100 grocery stores under the Food City, AJ's Fine Foods, Eddie's Country Store and both Bashas' and Bashas' Diné banners.