WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Raley’s chief operations officer Kevin Konkel will retire, effective January 7, culminating nearly four and a half decades of service to the company.

“Kevin is the epitome of a ‘service leader.’ His knowledge, professionalism and leadership have been a source of stability and inspiration. Kevin is far more than just a business leader; he is a kind and thoughtful person who treats all people with respect and grace. He has been a source of trust and hope for the people of Raley’s,” said Keith Knopf, Raley’s president and chief executive officer. “After 44 years, he is leaving our organization an even stronger and better place than it would have been otherwise.”

Starting with the Bel Air organization in 1978 as a bagger working with his father, Richard “Rich” Konkel, Kevin progressed through the ranks and joined Raley’s upon the acquisition of Bel Air Markets in 1993.

He quickly advanced through the larger Raley’s organization from roles in store to becoming a district leader to leading the remote market in New Mexico and finally to the support center. He held senior roles in sales and merchandising, store operations and marketing before becoming a key member of the executive leadership team in his role as COO.