COMMERCE, Calif. — Smart & Final has named Scott Drew to serve as president. He will succeed Dave Hirz in that role.

Hirz, who has been with Smart & Final for almost 12 years, is retiring effective February 1.

Smart & Final also announced that its parent company, Bodega Latina, is changing its name to Chedraui USA. Chedraui USA will consist of the organization’s U.S.-based store banners, Smart & Final, El Super and Fiesta Mart. Chedraui USA is a subsidiary of Grupo Comercial Chedraui, S.A.B. de C.V.

Scott Drew

Drew has been with Smart & Final since March 2010 and has served as its chief operating officer since June 2020. He has nearly 45 years of grocery industry experience, having begun his career in 1977 as a courtesy clerk. Before joining the Smart & Final team, Scott served as Vice President of Store Operations for The Kroger Company in Indianapolis, where he managed more than 150 stores in five states.

Hirz started in the food industry at the age of 16. He was recognized as the 2015 Food Industry Executive of the Year by the University of Southern California, and is a past recipient of numerous awards, including Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award, California State University, Fullerton’s Vision and Visionary award, Olive Crest’s Founders Award, and the National Conference for Community and Justices’ Humanitarian of the Year Award. His celebrated career includes serving as president at both Ralphs and Food 4 Less. He joined Smart & Final as president and COO in 2010 before being promoted to CEO in 2012.

“Smart & Final’s unique go-to-market strategy and 150-year-old legacy truly resonates with consumers,” said Carlos Smith, President and CEO of Chedraui USA. “We are pleased to announce Scott’s promotion as President of Smart & Final. His deep industry experience and years of operational leadership at Smart & Final will drive the brand’s continued success.”

“Dave Hirz is a legend in the grocery industry, and we are grateful for his leadership during his many years of service,” said Smith. “He led this business through the expansion of our Extra! store format, the introduction of eCommerce and delivery, and the challenges of a worldwide pandemic. He has left an indelible mark on Smart & Final, and his numerous contributions will not be forgotten.”

“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead our exceptional team of associates and build upon Smart & Final’s 150-year-old history,” said Drew. “Our differentiated offering, which attracts both business and household customers, puts us in a unique position to grow the business and capitalize on our momentum during the past few years.”

“I’m proud to have led such a successful and storied brand,” said Hirz. “The grocery industry has changed completely since I joined Smart & Final almost 12 years ago, and it’s a testament to our leadership team and our amazing associates that we have weathered these changes and become the strong brand that we are today. Scott is a remarkable leader, and I’m delighted to be leaving Smart & Final in his hands.”