Bob Mariano, a nearly 50-year veteran within the grocery industry, will be retiring from his post as CEO of Roundy’s effective Sep. 1, 2016. Mariano will continue to serve as a strategic adviser to Roundy’s and its parent company, Kroger, for two years after his retirement.
Mariano has led Roundy’s since 2002, which now operates under four brands: Pick ‘n Save, Copps, Metro Market and namesake brand Mariano’s Fresh Market. Roundy’s opened the first Mariano’s store in 2010, and has expanded the brand to 34 store locations throughout the Chicago area.
While Kroger acquired Roundy’s for more than $800 million in November 2015, Mariano remained on as President and CEO of the supermarket chain. Don Rosanova, President of Mariano’s, and Michael Marx, president of Roundy’s Supermarkets Wisconsin, will continue to serve in their current roles.
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The 66-year-old Mariano started his career in the grocery industry in 1967, when he worked as a part-time deli clerk at Dominick’s supermarket in Chicago. He served in various roles of increasing responsibility, including Senior VP, before being named President and CEO of Dominick’s in 1995. He led the company through an initial public offering in 1996 before it was purchased by Safeway in 1998.
“Bob has been a tremendous leader for Roundy’s and the entire supermarket industry. The centerpiece of his career, of course, is the Mariano’s chain of stores in his hometown of Chicago,” said Rodney McMullen, Chairman and CEO of Kruger. “We see a bright future ahead for our Pick ‘N Save and Metro Market stores in Wisconsin and for Mariano’s stores in Chicago. And we look forward to our continued partnership with Bob as a strategic consultant and advisor. The entire Kroger and Roundy’s family extends our best wishes to Bob and his family in retirement.”
