The family owned 1939 Group has named David Bell as their new president. Bell will oversee the day-to-day operations of the St. Louis-based holding company that includes Schnuck Markets, Festival Foods, and Hometown Grocers.
David Bell served as the chain’s EVP, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, and he will continue in that role. He will also oversee human resources, business development, real estate and construction and maintenance for the 1939 Group banners. The 1939 Group is named in honor of the year the family matriarch, Anna Donovan Schnuck, who opened the family’s first store in St. Louis.
In October, the deal to obtain Wisconsin based Hometown Grocers and Festival Foods was completed. Together, they now have 164 stores in four states. “With the 1939 Group, we have a shared purpose to unite family-owned community centered grocery companies under one umbrella,” said Todd Schnuck. “I have worked with David at Schnucks over the last 35 years, and he brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and proven leadership that we are lucky to have. With him in this key leadership role, we have the strategic foundation necessary to begin the work of defining our collective future as one family of companies within 1939 Group.”
In addition, Schnuck announced that Ted Schnuck has been appointed Schnuck’s COO becoming the eighth family member and first of its fourth generation to have day-to-day operating responsibilities for the company. Ted Schnuck will have oversight for the company’s strategic initiatives and daily execution, as well as store operations, merchandising, marketing, supply chain, and communications.
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