The Raley’s Companies Elevates Executives to Key Leadership Roles in Sales and Merchandising
July 22, 2025 | 6 min to read
West Sacramento, CA — The Raley’s Companies is pleased to announce the promotion of two accomplished leaders, Jessica Blakely and Faith Garrard, to senior roles overseeing sales and merchandising across the organization’s diverse banners. These appointments reflect The Raley’s Companies’ commitment to operational excellence, customer-focused innovation, and developing talent from within.
Jessica Blakely Named Vice President of Sales and Merchandising for Bashas’ Family of Stores
Blakely has been appointed as the senior leader of the sales and merchandising function for the Bashas’ division. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of category management for fresh and center store, vendor relations, data and analytics, pricing, schematics, and merchandising for Bashas’, Bashas’ Diné, and Food City stores.
“Jessica’s strategic insights, deep understanding of our business, and proven leadership make her exceptionally well-suited for this role,” said Keith Knopf, Chief Executive Officer, The Raley’s Companies. “Her appointment marks a significant step forward as we continue to strengthen our operations and deliver exceptional value to our customers in Arizona and New Mexico. In her new capacity, she will report directly to me”
Blakely joined The Raley’s Companies in 2014 and has held roles of increasing responsibility within the Sales, Merchandising, and Marketing teams. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Marketing, where, under the leadership of Deirdre Zimmermann, she led the company’s marketing strategy and drove customer engagement through enhancements to the loyalty program, retail media, data analytics, and CRM. Prior Jessica led several large categories as well as all private label development.
“I’m honored to step into this new role and grateful for the opportunity to lead such a passionate and talented team,” said Blakely. “Bashas’ Family of Stores has a rich legacy of serving communities across Arizona, and I look forward to building on that foundation by enhancing the in-store experience, deepening our connection with customers, and driving innovation in our merchandising strategy.”
Faith Garrard Named Vice President of Sales and Merchandising for Raley’s
Garrard has been promoted to Vice President of Sales and Merchandising for Raley’s Operating Company. In this capacity, Garrard will lead sales and merchandising efforts focusing on innovation, operational excellence, and delivering exceptional value to customers.
“Faith’s innovative approach, outstanding leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been instrumental to Raley’s ongoing success,” said Knopf. “Her dedication to elevating our fresh categories and building strong vendor partnerships has inspired teams across the organization and positioned us for continued growth. In her new capacity, Garrard will continue to report to Paul Gianetto, president of Raley’s Operating Division”
Throughout her tenure, Garrard has championed customer-centric strategies, built strong vendor partnerships, and led high-performing teams with integrity and purpose. Her passion for transforming the way people experience food aligns perfectly with Raley’s mission of changing the way people eat, one plate at a time.
“I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and for the support of such a dedicated team,” said Garrard. “Raley’s has a proud tradition of innovation and customer service, and I look forward to continuing to deliver outstanding experiences and value to our customers.”
About The Raley’s Companies
The Raley’s Companies is a private, family-owned and purpose-driven retail company headquartered in West Sacramento, CA. Since our founding in 1935, our store operations have grown to include more than 230 locations across four states and four Tribal Nations under eight well-known banners: Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s O-N-E Market, Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Bashas’ Diné Market. In addition, The Raley’s Companies bridges the divide between the physical and digital retail experiences through the operation of Apium Logistics, fieldera and fieldTRUE. Built on a higher purpose, the organization and our over 21,000 employees are committed to quality offerings, exceptional service and doing right by our team members, communities and planet. To learn more, visit www.theraleyscompanies.com.
About Raley’s
Raley’s is a family-operated customer experience grocery company. Founded in 1935, Raley’s stores are the destination for the best fresh products, affordable offerings and personalized service. The company’s commitment to infusing life with health and happiness by changing the way the world eats, one plate at a time, has made it a trusted source for food, nutrition, and wellness. Raley’s strives to enhance transparency and education in the food system in order to help customers make more informed, healthy food choices. Raley’s operates 119 stores under four banners: Raley’s, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods and Raley’s O-N-E Market. Making healthier offerings accessible to everyone, Raley’s has expanded beyond the store to operate grocery curbside pick-up and delivery in their nearby communities. Visit at www.raleys.com. Raley’s is a division of The Raley’s Companies.
About Bashas’ Family of Stores
Bashas’ is a grocer that operates in Arizona, New Mexico and four Tribal Nations under five well-known brands including Bashas’, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Eddie’s Country Store, and Bashas’ Diné supermarkets. Founded in 1932, Bashas’ has a rich history of serving Arizona families with quality products and great customer service. With more than 110 grocery stores, Bashas’ is one of the largest employers in the state and one of the Best Places to Work in Arizona. Bashas’ is committed to the communities they serve and has given back more than $100 million to the communities it serves. For more information, visit www.bashas.com. Bashas’ is a division of The Raley’s Companies.