Save Mart Companies Names Industry Vet to Board of Directors

Save Mart Companies has added an industry veteran to the company’s board of directors with the appointment of Robert G. Miller. 

Miller’s career in the grocery industry started at the age of 16 when he took a job as a bottle sorter at his local Albertsons store. He would hold several positions with the grocer including courtesy clerk, department manager and ultimately store manager. In 1979, he became an executive trainee and continued his rapid career trajectory to become executive vice president in nine years. 

He left Albertsons for Fred Meyer where he was CEO from 1991 to 1999 and merged the company with Kroger, where he served as vice-chairman and COO. Additionally, Miller was the chairman and CEO at Rite Aid from 1999 to 2003 and the non-executive chairman at Wild Oats. 

In 2006, he returned to Albertsons serving as CEO and board chairman and most recently chairman emeritus. While there the company went from a regional chain of a few hundred stores across seven states to more than 2,300 stores in more than 30 states through acquisitions and mergers with Supervalu and Safeway, 

“Bob’s expertise and passion for the grocery industry is legendary along with his unparalleled track record of being a growth-focused leader,” said Shane Sampson, executive chairman of the board, The Save Mart Companies. “For decades, Bob has built great companies by always being people and community focused as well as mentoring countless individuals including myself, and I am excited to once again collaborate with him and further advance the company’s success together.”

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to join The Save Mart Companies Board of Directors at a time when there is so much opportunity in the grocery industry for growth,” said Miller. “This company and its people exemplify the hard-working and passionate spirit of running great stores and serving their communities.”