Albertsons Ups Jonathan Mayes to SVP of External Affairs & Chief Diversity Officer
Jonathan Mayes has been named SVP, external affairs and chief diversity officer for Albertsons Cos., where he will be responsible for overseeing and leading the retailer’s diversity and inclusion efforts, along with government relations, sustainability and philanthropy. He will be based in Pleasanton, Calif.
“As one of the largest employers in the U.S., Albertsons Companies has a responsibility to grow a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve and to have a positive and transformative impact on them,” said Bob Miller, Chairman and CEO for the Boise-based Albertsons Cos. “Diversity is vital to who we are as a company and I am pleased to have found someone within our team who champions our culture and values.”
Mayes began his grocery industry career in 1991 as senior counsel at American Stores and joined Safeway in 1994. In 1996, he was named director of government relations, and was later promoted to VP and group VP of government relations. In 2010, he was named SVP of public affairs, government relations, sustainability, philanthropy and diversity affairs, a role he continued to hold following the completion of the merger with Albertsons in 2015.
“I am honored to take on this role and look forward to continuing to elevate Albertsons Companies’ outreach, growth and leadership through an even stronger focus on diversity,” said Mayes. “Albertsons Companies has developed a corporate culture that fosters different values, ideas and backgrounds, providing a firm foundation that will enable us to continue to attract a diverse set of talent and help our stores better engage with the local communities we serve.”
Mayes holds a Juris Doctor degree from Willamette University College of Law and a bachelor’s degree in social science from Warner Pacific College. He received the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Award from Willamette University for his work regarding diversity and inclusion, and was honored by the San Francisco Bay Area Minority Bar Coalition for his exemplary service to the community. He is also a past Warner Pacific College Alumnus of the Year recipient.
Previously serving as chairman of the California Grocers Association and Charles Houston Bar Association, as well as vice chairman of the Warner Pacific College Board of Trustees, Mayes was a founding member of the company’s African-American Leadership Network and currently serves on the boards of the California Chamber of Commerce, California Grocers Association, and two community-based organizations.
One of the largest food and drug retailers in the United States, Albertsons Cos. operates stores across 35 states and the District of Columbia under 19 banners including its Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Jewel-Osco, Shaw's, Acme, Tom Thumb, Randalls, United Supermarkets, Pavilions, Star Market, Haggen and Carrs.