After a remarkable 43 years of dedicated service with The Save Mart Companies, Steve Junqueiro has announced that he will retire on June 1. As he steps away from his day-to-day role, Steve will remain actively involved in the company by maintaining his position on The Save Mart Companies board of directors and joining The Save Mart Companies C.A.R.E.S. Foundation board of directors.
“I’m so grateful to The Save Mart Companies for the challenging and fulfilling career it has provided me over the years. I’ve sustained lifelong friendships here and have been fortunate to witness, participate in and lead many of the company’s defining moments. As we move through this new phase of The Save Mart Companies, I feel confident that the momentum, vision and energy we have today will carry the company to new heights. This is the right time for me to step aside, enjoy retirement with my family and smile knowing all that we have accomplished together here at The Save Mart Companies,” Steve explained.
Steve’s career with Save Mart began in 1974 as a produce clerk in Tracy #15 and Manteca #12. With his keen eye for merchandising and operational leadership, Steve quickly worked his way up through the business. In June 1994, Steve was promoted to Director of Produce and Floral to replace the retiring Frank Siciliani, the company’s first Produce Director. In June 2004, Bob asked Steve to join the Executive Committee and elevated him to Vice President of Operations. To oversee the huge acquisition in 2007, Steve became Executive Vice President. Since then, Steve has remained in executive roles including President and Chief Operating Officer.
“I’m so thankful for the many years of dedication and service that Steve has given to The Save Mart Companies and to my family. He’s been an integral part of the company’s success. I’m looking forward to working with Steve in this new capacity and wish him all the best during this exciting time in his life,” said Nicole Pesco.
Throughout his career, Steve has served on many industry and charitable boards including the Food Marketing Institute, California Grocers Association, Produce Marketing Association, Western Association of Food Chains, and the City of Hope. In 2011 Steve was inducted into the California Grocer’s Hall of fame. He has also received several industry and leadership accolades, including: 2000 Produce Merchandising’s 2000 Retailer of the Year, 2002 The Packer’s 2002 Produce Marketer of the Year, and the 2010 Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award.
Steve and his wife, Theresa, have been married for 42 years. Their son Steven lives in Modesto with his wife Noemi and Steve’s four grandchildren: Sophia, Mia, Steven III and Michael. Their daughter Natalie and husband Randy, live in Southern California.
Operations & Supply Chain will report to the CEO
The office of the president will be absorbed by Nicole Pesco as the Chief Executive Officer. Frank Capps, Mike Haaf and Randy Slentz, the banner General Managers, as well as James Orr, Sr. Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, will now report to Nicole.
Greg Hill continues in role as Chief Financial Officer
With this strategic realignment, Greg Hill will continue in his role as Chief Financial Officer with responsibility for Finance, IT, Real Estate and Engineering. Greg joined TSMC in 2012 with extensive experience in corporate leadership, serving on executive teams for both private and public companies as chief financial officer, general manager, and chief executive officer.
Chris McGarry named Chief Administrative Officer
Chris McGarry has been named The Save Mart Companies Chief Administrative Officer, assuming responsibility for the Strategy Office and Strategic Execution, Human Resources, Legal and Labor Relations. Chris has served as the Strategy Office Lead with accountability for driving the work of the Strategy Reset. Before joining TSMC, Chris was with The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company (A&P) for 12 years with his most recent role as the Chief Administrative Officer. Chris is a seasoned strategic advisor of boards of directors and senior executives with solid results in managing financial, legal, risk, real estate, human resources and other functional areas.