George Frahm stepping down in October

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. Markets president and longtime food industry leader George Frahm is planning to retire on October 31, and industry veteran Greg McNiff will be his successor.

George Frahm

In his new role, McNiff will report directly to Stater Bros. chief executive officer Pete Van Helden. The company said McNiff will officially join Stater Bros. on September 3, and will work closely with Frahm before assuming his new role on November 1.

Greg McNiff

“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.

Frahm’s career with Stater Bros. began in 1973 at the company’s Glendora location as a clerk’s helper and janitor. He progressed through a range of store level, retail supervision and executive management roles, including vice president of labor relations, executive vice president of retail operations/administration and executive vice president of 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,” said Van Helden.

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 an Albertsons location in Cypress, Calif. He worked his way up to several leadership and executive management roles at Albertsons before being named to division president of the company’s Portland division, his most recent role.

“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 said.

“Greg is well-respected across the entire food industry, and I look forward to welcoming him into our Stater Bros. ‘family’,” Van Helden added.

“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 commented, “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 said.