SAN BERNARDINO, CA - We are all about new leaders in the industry here at AndNowUKnow, and Stater Bros. Holdings, the parent company of Stater Bros. Markets, is starting this Friday off strong with the announcement that it has added two new members to its Board of Directors. Janel Haugarth and Sean Varner were recently elected to the Board, and Pete Van Helden has been appointed as Vice Chairman.

Haugarth currently serves as the President of Highpoint Retail, according to a press release. Her most recent supermarket industry role involved responsibility for the supply chain network including the transportation fleet and 18 distribution centers serving over 800 independent and franchised grocery retail store owners.

With over four decades of experience in food wholesale and the retail grocery industry, Haugarth’s expertise includes areas of procurement, pricing, logistics, transportation, finance, technology services, and sales.

Serving as a Managing Partner of Varner & Brandt, a law firm in Southern California’s Inland Empire region, Sean Varner will join Haugarth on the Board. His appointment will continue a decades-long professional partnership between Stater Bros. Markets and Varner & Brandt. Due to the recent passing of Bruce D. Varner—who was Founder of the firm and former Stater Bros. Holdings Board Director, Corporate Secretary, and General Counsel for Stater Bros. Holdings—Sean Varner was also recently appointed to serve as Corporate Secretary and General Counsel of Stater Bros. Holdings.

Sean Varner has over 25 years of legal and business expertise with a focus on corporate and business law; real estate transaction; real estate development; and land use, finance, and technology.

In addition to the two new members, Pete Van Helden has become Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, after having joined Stater Bros. Markets as President and Chief Operating Officer in 2013. In 2016, he was elected to the position of Chief Executive Officer by late Stater Bros. Chairman, Jack H. Brown.

Van Helden currently serves, and will continue to serve, as Chief Executive Officer.

Phillip J. Smith, Chairman of the Board of Directors for Stater Bros. Holdings commented on the recent appointments.

“On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, it’s my pleasure to welcome our newest Board Members,” he said. “Pete will continue providing the board with insight into Stater Bros. Markets’ operations and future growth, while Janel and Sean will provide guidance and expertise for our future strategic goals.”

Congratulations to all three leaders as they assume their roles on Stater Bros.’ Board!

Stater Bros. Markets