Stater Bros. Elevates Keith Thomas to Group SVP of Retail Operations

Stater Bros. Markets has promoted Keith Thomas to group SVP of retail operations in which he will lead the company’s retail operations and training departments as well as oversee the entire operations of the company’s 172 stores.

Thomas held his most recent position as SVP of retail operations for Stater Bros. since 2018. In his new role, he will report directly to Stater Bros. President George Frahm as well as become a member of the company’s executive management committee, which evaluates and sets the company’s key strategies.

Keith Thomas photograph courtesy of Stater Bros.

“Keith has consistently demonstrated a passion for the supermarket business in addition to stellar leadership skills,” Frahm said in a statement. “But most importantly, he truly cares about our valued customers and the loyal members of the Stater Bros. ‘family.’ His commitment and dedication will continue to be instrumental to providing our customers the best shopping experience in Southern California.”

A 38-year grocery retail veteran, Thomas first joined San Bernardino, Calif.-based Stater Bros. in 1981 as courtesy clerk at the company’s Riverside location on Magnolia Avenue, where he progressed through a range of retail store and supervision roles, including store manager, retail grocery supervisor and retail district manager.

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In 2009, Thomas was promoted to regional VP of retail operations and was promoted again in 2018 to SVP of retail operations.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in business from the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif. Thomas is also a graduate of the University of Southern California Food Industry Management Program. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Western Association of Food Chains.

Thomas’ promotion marks the company’s second shake-up to its leadership team within a month, following the promotion of Michael Reed to SVP of real estate and development in December.