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Save A Lot promotes COO Bill Mayo to CEO, replacing Fred Boehler after just nine months in the role.
Mayo's rapid rise follows a long career at Wakefern Food Corp., bringing extensive wholesale and retail experience.
The leadership change comes amid Save A Lot's expansion efforts, including a new rewards program and Hispanic-focused store concept.
The company did not disclose reasons for Boehler's short tenure, raising questions about the leadership transition.
Save A Lot's executive changes reflect a broader industry trend, with competitors also making strategic leadership moves.
Discount grocer Save A Lot has promoted COO Bill Mayo to CEO, replacing Fred Boehler who is stepping back to an advisory role just nine months after being named to the permanent top spot. The move marks another rapid leadership change for the company as it navigates a competitive market.
Fast-tracked to the top: Mayo’s ascent was swift, becoming COO just seven months after joining the company in early 2024. His promotion to CEO comes after a nearly three-decade career at Wakefern Food Corp., giving him a deep background in both wholesale and retail operations.
The missing why: The company's announcement did not offer a specific reason for Boehler’s surprisingly short tenure, an omission noted by Grocery Dive. Boehler had been a board member since 2021 and was only appointed permanent CEO in late 2023.
Pushing into new territory: The leadership shakeup follows a busy year for the 700-store chain. Save A Lot has recently pushed into new areas, launching its first rewards program, a retail media network, and a new Hispanic-focused store concept.
With a new leader at the helm, Save A Lot is betting that fresh strategic direction, combined with its recent consumer-facing initiatives, will be enough to carve out a stronger position against its fast-expanding rivals.
Also on our radar: The executive shuffle at Save A Lot is part of a wider trend, with Target also recently appointing a new CEO. Meanwhile, the competition for talent is fierce, as rival Grocery Outlet recently tapped a Save A Lot veteran for a key operations role. For a deeper look at one of Save A Lot's key growth strategies, Chain Store Age provides a first look at its new Hispanic-focused store concept.
