Former Walmart executive named Save-A-Lot president, CEO

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Supervalu banner Save-A-Lot has appointed a new leader, replacing company veteran Bill Shaner, who lead the division since 2006.

Taking the reins from 27-year veteran Shaner, who outlined a significant growth strategy for the hard discount chain, is Santiago Roces, who most recently served as SVP and general manager of Walmart's small-format division. Roces' career includes more than 20 years' experience in the grocery and food industry, as well as experience in franchise development and private-brand penetration, which likely will aid Supervalu's previously announced plans to to double the number of Save-A-Lot stores to more than 2,400 locations by the end of 2015, as well as Save-A-Lot's business model, which boasts nearly 80% of its products packaged under private label.

During Shaner's tenure, the company grew by 92 stores in 2010.

“Santiago is a nice fit for our company and for Save-A-Lot,” Supervalu president and CEO Craig Herkert said. “We believe he is the right individual to lead this organization forward and to help ensure [that] we realize the aggressive growth plans that have been established."

Herkert added, “We wish Bill well in all his future endeavors and appreciate his commitment to Supervalu for the past 27 years, and more recently his leadership and guidance as we laid out an aggressive growth strategy for Save-A-Lot.”