Hazelwood-Based Supervalu Distribution Center Has A New Leader

Supervalu, which houses its St. Louis Distribution center in the City of Hazelwood at 7100 Hazelwood Ave., is making some changes and shaking things up at two of its St. Louis area-based grocery chains, Shop 'n Save and Save-A-Lot.

New Leadership

Both have new leadership as part of some management changes new president and CEO, Sam Duncan, is making. Duncan was named president and CEO of Supervalu last month.

The Eden Prairie, Minn.- based company made Ritchie Casteel president and CEO of Earth City-based Save-A-Lot.

According to a press release, Casteel is replacing Santiago Roces. Casteel was previously vice president of operations for Albertson's Intermountain West Division; one of the retail chains Supervalu is trying to sell. 

Eric Hymas is the new president of Shop ‘n Save, replacing Marlene Gebhard. Gebhard will stay on board for a few weeks and help with the transition, according to Supervalu spokesman Mike Siemienas. 

Hymas previously was vice president of merchandising at Supervalu. He started his career with Albertsons.

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Selling off Chains

It was announced in January that Supervalu is selling several of its retail chains including Jewel-Osco, Shaw’s and Star, and Albertsons to AB Acquisition. The agreement means AB would be taking on 1,069 of Supervalu's stores, 12 distribution centers and 110,000 employees.

Supervalu is keeping CUB Foods based in Minnesota; Hornbacher’s in North Dakota; Farm Fresh in Virginia; Shop ‘N Save in St. Louis; and Shoppers in Baltimore/Washington DC. This group of chains operate 191 traditional retail grocery stores.

Supervalu is positioning itself as a "smaller, more efficient retail operation," according to the news release regarding the management shifts.

“We have much work to do, both today, and after the transaction closes, but I am pleased with the new leadership team we are assembling," Duncan said. "I am energized by what I have seen every day and believe this company will be successful going forward.”