Dollar General creates new emerging markets executive role

Steve Deckard, the Dollar General executive who led the discounter’s recent expansion into Mexico, has been promoted to the newly created role of executive vice president of growth and emerging markets, the company announced Tuesday.

Deckard, who assumes the post on June 1, began his tenure with Dollar General in 2006 as a regional director.

“Over the past 17 years, Steve has played an important role in the expansion of our business, helping to further our mission of serving others both in the United States and now Mexico,” CEO Jeff Owen said in a statement. “His proficiency in data science, retail operations and strategic implementation has been critical, and we look forward to extending our reach and progressing key strategic initiatives under Steve’s leadership.

Steve Deckard, Dollar General's new EVP of growth and emerging markets. / Photo courtesy: Dollar General

Dollar General opened its first store in Mexico earlier this year. The company said it plans to open 20 Mi Super Dollar General locations in “underserved communities” in northern Mexico by the end of the year.

The first store, located in Escobedo, Nuevo Leon, is stocked with products sourced primarily from Mexico, including fresh produce, health and beauty items, cleaning products, pet care products and houseware essentials. The store also includes a bakery, tortilleria and financial services area.

In his new role, Deckard will oversee Mi Super Dollar General, along with Dollar General’s general merchandise banner Popshelf and its health care arm, DG Well Being. He will also lead the Goodlettsville, Tennessee-based company’s real estate and decision science and analytics teams.

Deckard most recently served as Dollar General’s EVP of growth and emerging markets. He has also held roles in store operations, asset protection, corporate process improvement, strategy and financial planning. Before joining Dollar General, Deckard spent more than a decade in various leadership posts at Walmart.