SPOKANE, WA - Growth and innovation are but a couple of pillars our industry is made of; another is the invaluable people encouraging it. Jeff Philipps is one such leader in our industry, and now he is passing that torch on as he retires from his position as President and CEO of Rosauers Supermarkets. Cliff Rigsbee has been appointed to take his position.
Rigsbee will join Rosauers on June 21. Previously, Rigsbee served as the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer of Hawaiian Springs Co. Prior to his time at the bottled water company, Rigsbee spent 29 years with the national grocer Albertsons. His last position with the grocer was the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Merchandising for the Northern California Division of Safeway.
According to The Spokesman, Philipps has led Rosauers since July 2000 and has been part of the grocery store industry for more than 49 years.
“There will always be more work to be done, but as I retire, I am confident that Rosauers is on solid ground with amazing talent and experience to take on the challenges of our industry,” Philipps said. “Most important to me has been creating an exceptional company reputation and a culture that supports our ability to care not only for customers but for our employees by providing jobs, hours, wages, and benefits that have allowed each of us to pursue dreams, to raise families, and enjoy life outside the workplace.”
Under his leadership, Rosauers expanded its footprint into six new markets and grew its sales to nearly $600 million. The company currently operates 22 stores in four states and employs more than 2,300 people. Philipps announced he will retire from the company on August 13.
“There is no easy time for retirement, especially when you love what you do,” Philipps said. “My wife and I have a pretty good list of things we’d like to do. There’s no time like the present.”
Congratulations to Jeff Philipps on a successful career. We at ANUK wish Philipps and Cliff Rigsbee a wonderful start on their next chapters.
