SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Pete Van Helden, a 38-year retail veteran and President and COO of Stater Bros. Markets, has ascended to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment will be made effective January 4, 2016.

Van Helden succeeds Jack H. Brown, who will become the Executive Chairman of the Board. Over the past 36 years, Brown has led the company as its Chief Executive, steadily growing the business as one of the largest privately owned supermarket chains in Southern California. Van Helden's success and knowledge from previous executive positions will be key in paving a bright future for this retail company.

Prior to joining Stater Bros., Van Helden was the Executive Vice President of Retail Operations for Supervalu. Early on in his career, starting in 1977, Van Helden worked as a Courtesy Clerk for Rosauers in Libby, Montana. In the following year, he joined Albertsons as a Clerk. He later went on to serve a number of other leadership positions in the retail industry.

“Pete is well-respected and will do an outstanding job as President and Chief Executive Officer,” said Brown.

Van Helden holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from University of Phoenix. He also serves as Vice President of Stater Bros. Charities, according to a press release.

Stater Bros. currently operates 168 supermarkets and employs over 18,000 members.

Stater Bros. Markets