New Leadership at Stater Bros.

Stater Bros Markets began a new era Monday, as Pete Van Helden officially took over as the company’s president and chief executive officer.

Van Helden replaces Jack H. Brown, who will remain Stater Bros. executive chairman of the board of directors, company officials said.

A 38-year veteran of the supermarket industry, Van Helden has been Stater Bros.’ president and chief operating officer since 2013. He will be in charge of the company’s day-to-day operations and will answer to Brown, who managed Stater Bros. for 36 years.

“You have to understand that not much has changed,” Van Helden said about halfway through his first day in his new position. “This is the line of succession Jack and I agreed on when he hired me. He just needed some time to make sure I fit into the culture.

“But I am thrilled and honored to have this job.”

Before joining Stater Bros., Van Helden was executive vice president of retail operations for Supervalu, a Los Angeles-based wholesale chain that operates approximately 3,400 stores throughout the United States, according to the company’s website.

He has also worked for Albertsons and has held a variety of positions during his career.

When asked to name his immediate goals, Van Helden gave a simple answer: continue to maximize Stater Bros.’ profits while watching the competition carefully, especially Aldi, the global discount chain that is planning a major move into Southern California this spring.

“I don’t usually talk directly about [competitors], but I will say that Aldi has succeeded wherever they’ve gone,” Van Helden said.

San Bernardino-based Stater Bros. is celebrating its 80th year in business in 2016.

It’s the largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California and the Inland Empire’s largest private employee, with 168 supermarkets and more than 18,000 employees, according to a statement.