U.S. grocer taps former Lidl exec as new CEO

As German discount giant Lidl prepares to enter the U.S. market, Save-A-Lot is bringing in a new chief executive officer whose resume includes a 13-year stint at the European chain.



The discount supermarket chain has appointed Kenneth McGrath as CEO, effective April 21, 2017. He succeeds Eric Claus, whose departure was described as a “mutually agreed” parting of the ways.



McGrath spent 13 years with Lidl in executive roles, including CEO of Lidl Ireland from 2009 to 2013, and CEO of Lidl USA from 2013 to 2015. During his tenure as CEO of Lidl Ireland, McGrath oversaw a period of exceptional growth while also maintaining a cost leadership position within Lidl’s global operations, according to Save-A-Lot. He was then selected by Lidl to spearhead the company’s market entry into the U.S.



McGrath left Lidl to become CEO of the Caribbean and Central America region at wireless telecommunications firm Digicel, with responsibility for 26 markets comprising $2 billion in annual sales.



In late 2016, Supervalu finalized its sale of Save-A-Lot to Onex Corporation, a Toronto-based private equity firm, for $1.365 billion in cash.



“We are thrilled that Kenneth has chosen to lead Save-A-Lot as we chart a new course for the company after its separation from Supervalu,” said Matthew Ross, chairman, Save-A-Lot Board. “Kenneth is a strong executive that brings to Save-A-Lot tremendous experience in hard discount retailing. He is highly capable of building a world-class organization, investing in the company’s capabilities and systems, and returning Save-A-Lot to industry-leading growth by leveraging its unique market position.”



Save-A-Lot owns and operates 477 corporate stores, and services and supplies another 867 licensee-owned stores nationwide.