Ahead of the acquisition of Chandler, Arizona-based grocer Bashas' Family of Stores later this month, West Sacramento-based Raley's announced it is forming a new enterprise to oversee the company's independent operating divisions.
The privately owned and family-operated grocery company is promoting Laura Croff to be chief human resources officer of the newly formed enterprise, The Raley's Cos. Croff has served in various leadership capacities for the company over the past 20 years, most recently as senior vice president of human resources.
Croff will be tasked with overseeing all human resources strategy, benefits, labor, compensation, training and development for both the Raley's and Bashas' chains.
"Laura is a proven leader with deep expertise and strategic vision," Raley's CEO Keith Knopf said in a news release. "We are fortunate to have such a talented and purpose-driven leader who always places the needs of our team members first and foremost."
In the October announcement of Raley's deal to acquire Bashas', Bashas' stated that the acquisition by Raley's Holding Co. is not expected to change Bashas' store banners, employment or operations. The company has more than 100 stores in Arizona, New Mexico and the Navajo Nation and includes brands Food City and AJ's Fine Foods.
The acquisition is Raley's first since 2018, when it bought Scolari's Food & Drug Co.'s eight locations in Northern Nevada.
Raley's operates 124 stores under six banners, including Raley's, Bel Air Markets, Nob Hill Foods, Raley's O-N-E Market, Food Source and Market 5-ONE-5. With the latest acquisition, Raley's will operate more than 200 stores in four Western states stretching from Northern California to New Mexico.
Raley's is one of the Sacramento area's largest employers, with 5,877 full-time equivalent workers as of July, according to Business Journal research.
Local employees<br>(FTEs)
| Rank | Prior Rank | Employer / Rank last year |
|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | Sutter Health |
2 | 1 | Kaiser Permanente |
3 | 3 | Dignity Health |