MODESTO, Calif. — Supermarket industry veteran Robert (Bob) Miller has been named to the board of directors at The Save Mart Companies, a California-based grocer that operates approximately 200 Save Mart, Lucky California, and FoodMaxx stores in the California Central Valley, Bay Area, and Northern Nevada.

Save Mart, which is owned by Kingswood Capital Management, said the appointment signals the retailer’s commitment to growth.

“Bob’s expertise and passion for the grocery industry is legendary along with his unparalleled track record of being a growth-focused leader,” Save Mart executive chairman Shane Sampson said. “For decades, Bob has built great companies by always being people and community focused as well as mentoring countless individuals including myself, and I am excited to once again collaborate with him and further advance the company’s success together.”

Miller began his career at 16 years old as a bottle sorter at his local Albertsons store and quickly moved to courtesy clerk, department manager and ultimately store manager. In 1979, he became an executive trainee and continued his rapid career trajectory to become executive vice president in nine years. Miller left Albertsons for Fred Meyer where he was CEO from 1991 to 1999 and merged the company with Kroger, where he served as vice-chairman and COO. He went on to lead Rite Aid as chairman and CEO from 1999 to 2003, and he also served as the non-executive chairman at Wild Oats. In 2006, he returned to Albertsons, growing the company from a strong regional chain of a few hundred stores to over 2,300 stores in over 30 states through acquisitions and mergers with Supervalu and Safeway, serving as CEO and board chairman and most recently chairman emeritus. Miller was appointed non-executive chairman of Supervalu Inc., from 2013 to 2014. He is most proud of his role as store manager, which drives the grocery industry by serving communities and developing others.

Miller’s storied career has included numerous accolades and awards. Highlights include honorary doctorate degrees from Portland State University and Boise State University, and the Horatio Alger Award — an honor given to individuals whose courage and determination allow them to succeed in their field despite significant early life challenges — in 2012, the first Boise State Champion of Commerce Award in 2014, and MMR’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to join The Save Mart Companies Board of Directors at a time when there is so much opportunity in the grocery industry for growth,” Miller said. “This company and its people exemplify the hard-working and passionate spirit of running great stores and serving their communities.”