After more than 47 years of service to Stater Bros. Markets, the Company’s President and longtime food industry leader, George Frahm (66) has announced his plans to retire on Oct. 31, 2019.
“I have been blessed to work at Stater Bros. for my entire career and have had the opportunity to advance from entry-level positions to Company President,” said Frahm. “I look forward to spending more time with my wife Debbi and traveling,” Frahm said.
Frahm’s extensive career with Stater Bros. Markets began in 1973 at the Company’s Glendora location as a Clerks Helper and Janitor. He progressed through a range of store level, retail supervision and executive management roles to include Vice President Labor Relations, Executive Vice President Retail Operations/Administration, Executive Vice President Administration/Distribution before being named President.
“I appreciate George’s support throughout the course of our years working together. He has been a trusted advisor and will be missed,” stated Stater Bros. CEO Pete Van Helden.
Industry veteran Greg McNiff will succeed Frahm as President of Stater Bros. Markets. In his new role, McNiff will report directly to Van Helden. To ensure a seamless transition, McNiff will officially join the Stater Bros. “Family” of Employees on Sept. 3, 2019, working closely with Frahm, before assuming his new role on Nov. 1, 2019.
McNiff’s grocery career spans 38 years, working 27 years in the Southern California marketplace. His grocery career began in 1981 as a Courtesy Clerk at a former Albertsons location in Cypress, CA. He steadily worked his way up to several leadership and executive management roles across the organization before being named to Division President of the Company’s Portland Division, his most recent role. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management from California Coast University and is a graduate of the USC Food Industry Executive Program.
“I have had the privilege of knowing George for many years through our affiliation in various food industry organizations and events,” said McNiff. “I have tremendous respect for George and his leadership style, and realize I have some huge shoes to fill. I look forward to joining the Stater Bros. ‘Family’ and returning back to Southern California,” McNiff concluded.
“Greg is well-respected across the entire food industry, and I look forward to welcoming him into our Stater Bros. ‘Family’ ” Van Helden noted.
“With Pete and Greg at the helm, the Company’s future is bright, and I’m certain Stater Bros. will continue to be a grocery leader in the local marketplace,” said Frahm.
Stater Bros. Chairman Phil Smith remarked, “I’m so grateful for George’s contributions to our Company’s success. He is known as a skilled executive who is praised for his integrity and exceptional leadership. Throughout the course of his entire career with Stater Bros., George has relentlessly championed to advance the best interests of our Company and our people. The entire Stater Bros. ‘Family’ of Employees and I wish him the very best in his retirement."
“We’re also excited for Greg to join us. His proven food industry leadership and experience in our local marketplace make him a great fit for our Company. I am confident that he will do an outstanding job as our President,” Smith concluded.
Stater Bros. was founded in 1936 in Yucaipa, California, and has grown steadily through the years to become the largest privately-owned supermarket chain in Southern California and the largest private employer in both San Bernardino County and Riverside County. The Company operates 172 supermarkets, and there are approximately 17,000 members of the Stater Bros. Market Family.