EARTH CITY, MO. — Kenneth McGrath has been named chief executive officer of Save-A-Lot, a hard-discount grocery retailer with more than 1,300 stores nationwide. Last year it was announced that former parent company Supervalu Inc. had agreed to sell the Save-A-Lot business to an affiliate of Onex Corp. for $1.365 billion in cash.
From 2001 to 2015, Mr. McGrath held various leadership roles at Lidl, a German global discount supermarket chain, most recently spearheading the company’s market entry into the United States before leaving to become c.e.o. of the Caribbean and Central America region at Digicel, a wireless telecommunications firm.
“We are thrilled that Kenneth has chosen to lead Save-A-Lot as we chart a new course for the company after its separation from Supervalu,” said Matthew Ross, chairman of the Save-A-Lot board of directors and managing director at Onex. “Kenneth is a strong executive that brings to Save-A-Lot tremendous experience in hard discount retailing. He is highly capable of building a world-class organization, investing in the company’s capabilities and systems, and returning Save-A-Lot to industry-leading growth by leveraging its unique market position.”
Mr. McGrath will succeed Eric Claus, Save-A-Lot’s current c.e.o., who has mutually agreed to part ways with Onex, according to the company.
“The opportunity to lead Save-A-Lot at this exciting phase is a real privilege,” Mr. McGrath said. “Save-A-Lot has a proud history of delivering exceptional value to its customers throughout the U.S. I am looking forward to working with Save-A-Lot’s dedicated associates and licensees to serve customers in ways that enhance their experience and, in doing so, driving a period of sustained growth for the organization.”
