The Save Mart Companies announced Tuesday that it’s hired Chris Hooks as its chief merchandising and marketing officer. 

Hooks brings more than 25 years of experience working for grocers, discounters and private label companies, according to the California-based grocery company’s emailed press release. 

Hooks’ career includes time as Family Dollar’s senior vice president of merchandising consumables, and Save A Lot’s chief merchandising officer, according to his LinkedIn profile. He also served as Supervalu’s corporate vice president of deli and prepared foods merchandising as well as corporate vice president of meat, seafood, dairy and frozen food merchandising. 

Hooks’ also held numerous leadership positions at Topco Associates, a company that offers management solutions for food industry businesses, during his five years there, including as senior vice president for center store, fresh and supply chain as well as executive vice president. 

For 11 years, Hooks also worked in merchandising, marketing and store operations leadership positions for Texas grocery giant HEB. 

“Chris’ breadth of knowledge and experience will accelerate our ability to grow and innovate our business, attract and retain customers, and be great partners to our suppliers and associates,” Shane Sampson, The Save Mart Companies’ executive chairman of the board, said in a statement. 

Currently, The Save Mart Companies operates 194 Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx locations across California and Nevada.