Steve Mayer Joins Schnucks as VP of Produce/Floral

Steve Mayer has been tapped to succeed Mike O'Brien as Schnuck Markets Inc.'s VP of produce and floral, at the end of October.

O’Brien, who spent 42 years with the St. Louis-based regional retailer and who was formerly board chairman for both the Produce Marketing Association and the Produce for Better Health Foundation, revealed his retirement plans in late summer.

Mayer, who brings more than 35 years of experience in all aspects of the industry – most recently as president of Mills River, N.C.-based Flavor 1st, a leading grower, packager and distributor of branded and private label fresh produce – will report to Schnucks' chief merchant, Steve Harper.

Having held key management positions in major grocery operations across the country, Harper said the 98-store grocery chain will benefit tremendously from Mayer's depth of farm-to-table experience, which "will help us as we work to build on the Schnucks reputation for quality fresh foods. We have a strong perishable program now," noted Harper, "and with Steve’s expertise, we can grow our supplier network as we focus new ways to bring the freshest foods to our customers.”

A graduate of the University of Phoenix with a double major in business administration and management, a master degree in organizational management and a doctorate in business administration from California Coastal University, Mayer's strong track record for fostering a team approach earned him honors as a Progressive Grocer “Most Valuable Buyer” in 2002.

Celebrating its 75th year throughout 2014, the family-owned Schnuck Markets Inc. operates 98 stores and 93 in-store pharmacies in Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa.