Save Mart adds grocery industry veteran Robert Miller to board of directors

Grocery industry veteran Robert G. Miller has joined the board of directors of Save Mart, the California-based company announced on Wednesday.

“Bob’s expertise and passion for the grocery industry is legendary along with his unparalleled track record of being a growth-focused leader,” said Shane Sampson, executive chairman of Save Mart’s board, in a statement. “For decades, Bob has built great companies by always being people and community focused as well as mentoring countless individuals including myself, and I am excited to once again collaborate with him and further advance the company’s success together.”

Miller began his career in the grocery industry as a bottle sorter for Albertsons when he was 16, where he quickly rose through the ranks.  In 1979, he became an executive trainee and, nine years later, became executive VP. Miller left Albertsons for Fred Meyer where he was CEO from 1991 to 1999 and merged the company with Kroger, where he served as vice-chairman and COO. 

He also served as the chairman and CEO at Rite Aid from 1999 to 2003 and the non-executive chairman at Wild Oats. In 2006, Miller returned to Albertsons, where he served as CEO and board chairman and, most recently, chairman emeritus. From 2013-2014 he was appointed non-executive chairman of Supervalu Inc.

When it comes to his most impactful role in the grocery space, Miller said it was as a store manager, “which drives the grocery industry by serving communities and developing others.”

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to join The Save Mart Companies board of directors at a time when there is so much opportunity in the grocery industry for growth,” said Miller in a statement. “This company and its people exemplify the hard-working and passionate spirit of running great stores and serving their communities.”

Last year, Kingswood Capital Management LP acquired the grocery chain, which includes about 200 stores throughout California and northern Nevada under the banners of Save Mart, Lucky California and FoodMaxx.