Owner of The Raley's Companies to return as CEO
A California-based grocery company is making a change at CEO.
The Raley’s Companies has announced the departure of president and CEO Keith Knopf, and the appointment of owner and chairman Mike Teel as CEO, a role he previously held from 2010 to 2018 prior to Knopf’s joining the company.
Knopf was named CEO in September 2018, and previously served as president and chief operating officer. Raley’s credits him for helping the organization double in size through multiple acquisitions, while also expanding its e-commerce/digital capabilities and evolving its loyalty platform.
“After 11 fulfilling years of service, I have reached a natural inflection point, and having achieved significant milestones, chosen at this point in time to step away,” said Knopf. “Serving as president and CEO has been an immense privilege, and I remain deeply proud of what our team has accomplished together. I am grateful for the support and partnership of the board throughout my tenure.”
[READ MORE: The Raley's Companies names new communications chief]
Teel, grandson of Raley’s founder Tom Raley and son of Raley’s second-generation leaders Joyce Raley Teel and Jim Teel, progressed in senior leadership positions in the 1990s, becoming chief operating officer in 1995, president in 1996 and CEO in 1998. In 2002, he left the company to pursue independent business ventures, returning in 2010 as president and CEO. He became majority owner of Raley’s in 2015.
Upon his return to the CEO, Teel has promoted two experienced leaders to support the organization through this transition. Tiffanie Burkhalter has been appointed president and chief financial officer, and Jen Warner has been appointed president and chief operations officer.
Burkhalter has served as CFO of Raley’s since 2023. The grocer says she brings “deep financial expertise alongside broad operational experience” to her expanded role.
Warner joined Raley’s in 2020 as chief administrative officer and has been instrumental in delivering on the company’s long-range strategic plan, formerly serving as president of Raley’s operating division and most recently as chief growth & transformation officer. Raley’s noted that she brings a “breadth of experience” from senior leadership positions at several multinational public companies.
“Keith’s contributions over the past eleven years have left a meaningful mark on this company and the communities we serve,” said Teel. “He is leaving us with a strong, capable leadership team, and I am stepping back into this role with confidence in the people and the foundation. Our focus remains where it has always been – on our customers, our team members, and the communities we are proud to serve.”
Headquartered in West Sacramento, Calif., The Raley’s Companies operates more than 200 locations across eight states and four Tribal Nations under 10 well-known banners: Raley’s, Bel Air, Nob Hill Foods, Raley’s O-N-E Market, Basha’s, Basha’s Diné, Food City, AJ’s Fine Foods, Full Circle and Farm Fresh To You.
