Supervalu Hires Wal-Mart Exec To Run Save-A-Lot

PORTLAND, Ore.—Supervalu Inc. has named a former Wal-Mart Stores Inc. executive to lead its Save-A-Lot grocery chain.

The grocer said Thursday that Santiago Roces, 48, is Save-A-Lot's new CEO and president. Roces worked most recently as senior vice president and general manager of Wal-Mart's small-format division. He replaces Bill Shaner, who led Save-A-Lot since 2006 and worked for Supervalu for 27 years.

Supervalu has made Save-A-Lot a major part of its turnaround effort. The company plans to double the number of Save-A-Lot's no-frills stores to respond to shoppers who are concentrating on low prices. The company plans to have more than 2,400 Save-A-Lot locations by the end of 2015.

Supervalu, one of the poorer performers in its industry heading into the recession, has been trying to revamp its business. In addition to putting its focus on the Save-A-Lot chain, the company added several new leaders, cut costs, lowered debt, tightened operations, increased marketing and sold or closed some stores.

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