SAN BERNARDINO, CA - A month almost to the day after the loss of its beloved Executive Chairman, Jack H. Brown, Stater Bros. Markets’ parent Stater Bros. Holdings, Inc. has elected Phillip J. Smith to take up the torch.
“I am honored to have been elected to the position of Chairman of the Board of Stater Bros. Markets,” stated Smith. “I knew Jack for over 40 years and worked closely with him at three different companies.”
As we reported recently, Brown was a longtime leader of the retailer, having been elected President of Stater Bros. in 1981 and stepping back into the position of Executive Chairman in 2015.
“I learned a great deal from Jack’s mentorship and feel privileged to carry on the values and traditions Jack established while ensuring the company remains competitive in the Southern California supermarket industry,” his successor said.
Smith has been a member of the Stater Bros. “family” for nearly 30 years, according to a press release, and has more than 40 years of experience in the supermarket industry. He was appointed by Brown to his most recent position as Vice Chairman of the Board in 2012.
“Given Jack’s unwavering trust in Phil and long history of working together both within and outside of Stater Bros., I welcome and look forward to Phil’s mentorship and direction,” stated Stater Bros. Markets President and CEO Pete Van Helden.
In addition to this role, Smith was also elected to the position of Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of Stater Bros. Holdings, Inc.
The company said that in his position, Smith will be responsible for providing guidance and leadership to the executives and officers to ensure the continuity of Stater Bros. business operations and trusted brand. He joined the team in 1987 as the company’s Controller, moving up to positions like:
- Vice President-Controller and Chief Accounting Officer
- Senior Vice President
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Accounting Officer
- Executive Vice President Finance
- Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting Officer
Now Smith will take up the reins to lead the company currently operating 169 Supermarkets, with upwards of 18,000 members of the Stater Bros. Supermarket Family.
The best of luck to Smith and to his team at Stater Bros. as it embarks on this newest chapter in the company’s story.
