ST. LOUIS, MO - The latest news from Schnuck Markets has unveiled not one, but two newly appointed Chiefs. Kim Gray has joined the company as Chief Merchant as Ryan Cuba takes over as its first-ever Chief Growth Officer.

As Schnucks’ new Chief Merchant, Gray will lead and provide a strategic vision for merchandising strategy, category management, procurement, assortment, pricing, promotions, and supplier diversity, a press release explained. With experience in fresh, center store, and e-commerce operations, Gray brings over 20 years of expertise to Schnucks’ executive ranks. She previously held various positions at retail companies like Ahold Delhaize USA, Hannaford Supermarkets, and Food Lion.

While at Hannaford Supermarkets, Gray held leadership roles with the United Way of Southern Maine and was honored by her colleagues with the prestigious John J. Russell Award for Excellence for innovative thinking, integrity, and employee development.

“Kim steps into this role ready to lead thanks to her depth of category management leadership in Fresh and Center Store, her experience in E-Commerce, and her keen eye for merchandising,” said Ted Schnuck, Executive Vice President, Supermarkets. “Her passion for developing talent as well as for serving customers position her for success as she returns to the Midwest for this leadership role with Schnucks.”

As Gray takes on this role, she succeeds Ryan Cuba, newly named Chief Growth Officer. Both Gray and Cuba will begin their new roles on September 2 and will be members of the retailer’s Strategy Team.

As Schnucks’ first Chief Growth Officer, Cuba will oversee the teams responsible for strategic planning, acquisitions, business development, real estate, store design, construction, and maintenance. Cuba has been a part of the Schnucks operation for 19 years, serving as Chief Merchant for the last four. Prior to that, he held leadership roles in Store Operations and Business Development.

The St. Louis native holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Finance from the University of Missouri - Columbia, and an MBA with an emphasis in Finance from Saint Louis University.

“With his cross-functional retail experience and understanding of our business from Merchandising to Store Operations, Ryan is the ideal leader to step into this role as we position Schnucks for growth,” said David Bell, Executive Vice President - Chief Financial and Administrative Officer. “He was responsible for a number of successful moments in our company’s history, including the sale of our pharmacy business to CVS as well as the integration of 19 Shop ‘n Save stores.”

Congratulations to both Chiefs on their latest appointment!