Bashas’ Taps Marketing Exec for COO Role
Chandler, Arizona-based Bashas’ Family of Stores promoted Steve Mayer in October from SVP of Marketing, Merchandising and Procurement to COO. Mayer will head up operations for Bashas’ more than 110 locations across Arizona and New Mexico.
Broadening the scope of his current leadership role, Mayer will add store operations to his expansive duties, increasing his responsibility in the tactical and daily operations of the business. As part of his new role, Mayer will also represent Bashas’ on The Raley’s Companies executive team.
“Bashas’ and The Raley’s Companies is fortunate to have a capable and inspiring leader in Steve Mayer. I commend Trey (Basha) on his decision to bring Steve onto the team in spring 2021 and for recognizing Steve’s potential to lead in this broader capacity. I congratulate Steve, his wife Jeanette and family, as well as the Bashas’ team,” said Keith Knopf, President and CEO of The Raley’s Companies. With more than 30 years in the industry, Mayer brings a deep knowledge of merchandising, pricing approaches, store designs and marketing. The grocery retail veteran has held many leadership roles with several of the nation’s top grocery brands.
Bashas’ Fresh Foods Director named AJ’s VP
Bashas’ Family of Stores has named Jayson Mead Vice President of AJ’s Fine Foods. As vice president, Mead will direct long-term planning, brand performance and market positioning for the AJ’s Fine Foods company. Furthermore, Mead will look to grow both the grocery shopping experience and culinary explorations for future expansions for the chain, which currently has 11 stores across Arizona. Mead started with Basha’s in 1993 as a courtesy clerk in Lake Havasu, Arizona. In his 28 years with the company, he’s had over 10 positions from store cashier and clerk, to produce manager and store director, working his way up to assistant director of operations and director of operations at AJ’s Fine Foods.
In addition to Mead’s promotion, Gabe Flores has been promoted to AJ’s director of produce and Jorge Alvarez was tapped to run their “made from scratch” tortilla production as director of tortilleria under the Food City banner. Collectively, Basha’s Family of Stores has over 110 locations across the southwest under the banners of Bashas’, Bashas’ Dine, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods and Eddie’s Country Store.