Save A Lot Names New CEO

St. Louis, Mo.-based discount grocer Save A Lot has named Leon Bergmann as CEO. He will assume the role in March and will succeed interim CEO Craig Herkert. 

Leon Bergmann

The CEO role at the St. Louis discounter became officially vacant when Kenneth McGrath returned to Save A Lot's German rival Lidl late last year.

Bergmann brings more than 20 years of experience in the grocery and wholesale industries. He most recently was CEO of Harvest Sherwood Food Distributors, where he executed a comprehensive growth strategy for the Detroit-based distributor.

He also has leadership roles with several retailers and wholesalers, including C&S Holdings, Unified Grocers and SuperValu, where he was president of the SuperValu West Region from 2017 to 2018.

“With more than two decades of industry experience, Leon combines deep industry expertise and a consistent track record of success at leading grocery brands and wholesale businesses that will be invaluable as we execute against our long-term growth strategy,” said Justin Shaw, chairman of the board for Save A Lot, in a statement. “His proven ability to meet the needs of associates, customers and vendors also makes him an ideal fit to lead the business and its strong network of retail partners across the country. We are excited to welcome Leon to the Save A Lot team and look forward to working alongside him and the management team as we pursue the strategic growth opportunities ahead.”

The former president of Supervalu's independent business said in a statement that he is “honored to have the opportunity to lead a tremendous brand like Save A Lot, and to work closely with the amazing team of Retail Partners that are so dedicated to delivering quality and value to its customers.” He went on to add that the “Save A Lot model is well-positioned to capitalize in industry trends and meet the needs of consumers. I look forward to working with my colleagues at all levels to build on our legacy as the industry’s leading hometown grocer.”

Shaw extended an appreciation to Herkert’s role by saying “on behalf of the board, I would like to thank Craig Herkert for his leadership during the six months he served in the role as interim CEO and we wish him well in his future endeavors.”

Founded in 1977, Save A Lot operates more than 900 stores in 32 states.