The former chief executive of Lidl’s fledgling USA operations, as well as former Lidl Ireland CEO, Kenneth McGrath, has joined US-based discount retailer Save-A-Lot as its new chief executive, effective 21 April.
McGrath, who spent a total of 13 years with Lidl, was instrumental in the discounter’s initial entry into the US market in 2013, before departing for wireless telecommunications firm Digicel, located in the Caribbean.
Statement Of Intent
His appointment by Save-A-Lot is a statement of intent by the business, which recently split off from SuperValu, that it intends to go toe to toe with Lidl in courting the discount shopper, once the latter’s operations are fully up and running this year. Save-A-Lot operates 477 company-owned stores and 867 franchise-owned stores across the United States.
“We are thrilled that Kenneth has chosen to lead Save-A-Lot as we chart a new course for the company after its separation from SuperValu,” said Matthew Ross, chairman of the Save-A-Lot board of directors.
“Kenneth is a strong executive who brings to Save-A-Lot tremendous experience in hard-discount retailing. He is highly capable of building a world-class organisation, investing in the company’s capabilities and systems, and returning Save-A-Lot to industry-leading growth by leveraging its unique market position.”
New Position
McGrath replaces Eric Claus, the current CEO of Save-A-Lot, who is leaving the retailer by mutual consent.
“Save-A-Lot has a proud history of delivering exceptional value to its customers throughout the US,” said McGrath. “I am looking forward to working with Save-A-Lot’s dedicated associates and licensees to serve customers in ways that enhance their experience and, in doing so, driving a period of sustained growth for the organisation.”
© 2017 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Stephen Wynne-Jones. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine.
