Stater Bros. Names Board Chairman

Phillip J. Smith has been named chairman of the board of Stater Bros. Markets.

Smith, a Stater Bros. employee for nearly 30 years, replaces Jack Brown, who died last month, according to a statement released Monday.

“I am honored to have been elected to the position of chairman of the board of Stater Bros. Markets,” Smith said in the statement. “I knew Jack for over 40 years and worked closely with him at three different companies.

“I learned a great deal from Jack’s mentorship and feel privileged to carry on the values and traditions Jack established, while ensuring the company remains competitive in the Southern California supermarket industry.”

Smith’s appointment was effective immediately.

Smith, who has spent more than 40 years in the supermarket industry, joined Stater Bros. in 1987 as the company’s controller. He held a number of positions after that, including vice-president controller, senior vice president, chief financial officer and chief accounting officer.

In 2012, Brown appointed Smith to his most recent position, vice chairman of the board, according to the statement.

Smith’s promotion to board chairman “is a reflection of Mr. Brown’s succession plan for Stater Bros. Markets,” said Marisa Kutansky, spokeswoman for San Bernardino-based supermarket chain, in an e-mail.

Pete Van Helden will remain Stater Bros.’ president and chief executive officer and will answer to Smith, Kutansky said.

Founded in 1936, Stater Bros, is the largest privately owned supermarket chain in Southern California and the Inland Empire’s largest private employer, with 169 stores and more than 18,000 employees, according to the statement.