The Raley's Companies promotes Steve Mayer to president of Bashas'

It’s been a swift rise at Bashas' for Steve Mayer, who was promoted to company president this week. The move was announced Wednesday at the opening of the grocer's new corporate office in Chandler, Arizona. 

Mayer, who succeeds Edward “Trey” Basha, most recently served as chief operating officer of the Bashas’ Family of Stores. He assumed that role in October after serving about two and a half years as SVP of marketing, merchandising and procurement for the grocery chain. 

Mayer’s quick rise comes at a time of major change for the company, which was purchased by Raley’s Holding Company in October 2021. The company operates some 235 locations under the banners of Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s O-N-E Market, Bashas’, Bashas’ Diné, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Eddie’s Country Store. 

In his new role, Mayer will oversee the grocer’s Arizona and New Mexico operations, along with sales, marketing and all store and distribution centers, the company said. The grocer noted that he will work to grow the company with long-time Bashas’ executives Johnny Basha, Michael Basha, Ralph Woodward, Ashley Shick and Sabrina Dominquez. 

He will continue reporting to Keith Knopf, president and CEO of The Raley’s Companies, and will serve on the grocer’s Enterprise Leadership Team. “Most recently, Steve served as Bashas’ chief operating officer, where he has proven to be a capable and strategic leader,” Knopf said in a statement. “Under his leadership and direction, Bashas’ continues to build on a strong financial trend and brand evolution while preserving its proud legacy." 

Mayer has more than 30 years of experience in the industry, and prior to joining Bashas in 2020, he was chief merchant and a member of the executive strategy team at Schnucks Markets, Inc. Additionally, he’s held executive positions at Meijer, Bi-Lo, Ahold Delhaize USA and Flavor 1st. 

The announcement was made at the grand opening of the company’s corporate office, which Bashas’ refers to as a “support center” because of the support it provides its customers and stores throughout Arizona and New Mexico.