Family-owned 1939 Group Inc., the newly established holding company for Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers and Schnuck Markets, has named David Bell president.
In this new role, Bell will execute the vision, direct organizational strategy and oversee day-to-day operations for the company, reporting to Todd Schnuck, chairman and CEO.
Bell will maintain a dual role as EVP and chief financial and administrative officer for Schnuck Markets. A member of the Schnucks’ strategy team, he will continue to oversee the banner’s accounting, corporate finance, treasury, real estate, construction and maintenance, asset protection, safety, legal, food safety, business development and human resources teams.
“With 1939 Group, we have a shared purpose to unite family-owned, community-centered grocery companies under one umbrella,” Schnuck said.
“As the leader charged with executing that purpose, David bears a tremendous responsibility to maintain the unique points of difference, distinctive local identities and authentic cultures of those banners entrusted to our care. But also to explore the advantages of sharing ideas and innovation, platforms and technologies, and best practices, to ensure ongoing stability and fuel growth.
“I have worked closely 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.”
While setting up the framework for 1939 Group, Bell will provide critical leadership and guidance during the effort to define the optimal operational model for the newly holding company. Longer term, he will solidify 1939 Group as a scalable platform to drive continued growth.
“I am incredibly energized by the opportunity to lead the 1939 Group as its first president,” Bell said. “This is a moment of tremendous potential, and I look forward to working with the leaders of Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers and Schnucks to create and execute a vision that guarantees the stability and growth of our entire family of companies.
“In an industry often defined by consolidation and challenge, we are out to prove that regional, community-centered grocery companies can not only survive but thrive and grow.”
Since beginning his career at Schnucks more than 40 years ago as a part-time bagger while in high school, Bell has held a number of roles with the company while expanding his influence as a steady and strategic values-focused leader.
Announced in September, 1939 Group Inc. is named in honor of the year family matriarch Anna Donovan Schnuck opened the family’s first store in St. Louis.
In October, it confirmed the completion of the acquisition of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, bringing the Wisconsin-based grocers together with Schnucks as one family of companies. Together, they encompass 164 stores in four states, supported by nearly 19,000 employees.
[RELATED: Schnucks, Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers Form 1939 Inc.]