SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — Stater Bros. Markets has promoted George Frahm to company president, in one of a series of leadership changes at the privately held grocery chain. Frahm, who reports directly to chief executive officer Pete Van Helden, began his grocery career in 1973 as a clerk’s helper and janitor at the Stater Bros. supermarket in Glendora, Calif.

Frahm went on to hold a number of retail store and district supervision posts at Stater Bros., serving as store manager, retail grocery supervisor and retail district manager. In 1995 he was promoted to director of labor relations, and he went on to advance to increasing levels of responsibility in the roles of vice president of labor relations, senior vice president of administration, group senior vice president of retail operations and administration, executive vice president of retail operations and administration, and executive vice president of administration and distribution, his most recent role.

“George is a remarkable leader who embodies the spirit of the Stater Bros. ‘family,’ ” Van Helden said. “George’s extensive contributions to the company’s success have been invaluable, and his promotion to president reflects his broad knowledge of the food industry, commitment to honoring Stater Bros.’ unique corporate culture and continued contributions to Stater Bros.’ ­success.”

Among those reporting to Frahm in his new role as president are three other Stater Bros. executives who were promoted to new positions this month.

Dan Meyer, a 46-year company veteran, has succeeded Frahm as executive vice president of distribution. In this role, Meyer will oversee the Stater Bros. distribution division, including the company’s 2.1 million-square-foot Norton Distribution Center and its transportation and fleet maintenance departments. Meyer most recently served as executive vice president of retail operations.

Keith Thomas, a 37-year Stater Bros. veteran, has succeeded Meyer as senior vice president of retail operations. In this position, Thomas will be responsible for overseeing the entire retail operations of all 171 Stater Bros. supermarket locations. Thomas held a variety of retail store and district supervision roles at Stater Bros. before being promoted to his most recent post of regional vice president of retail operations in 2009.

Tom Seaton was promoted to senior vice president of administration, one of the roles held by Frahm before his promotion to company president. In his new job, Seaton will oversee the company’s administration division, which includes the human resources, labor relations, insurance, workers’ compensation, support services and office services departments. Seaton, who has been with Stater Bros. for 40 years, was named to his most recent post of regional vice president of retail operations in 2009.

“I’m confident that Dan, Keith and Tom will excel in their new roles,” Van Helden commented. “These management changes reflect Stater Bros. long-standing commitment to providing our customers with the best shopping experience in Southern California and ensure Stater Bros.’ current and future ^­success.”