Raley’s Welcomes Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Cervantez

Savvy, Accomplished Marketing Talent Joins Reputable Regional Supermarket Brand

By Amy Davis | Friday September 11, 2009

West Sacramento, Calif. – Raley’s Family of Fine Stores last week welcomed Michelle Cervantez, a highly accomplished marketer, as the company’s first Chief Marketing Officer. Ms. Cervantez will help creatively brand the strengths of the family-owned, regional supermarket chain consistently voted among the top in the nation.

A proven marketing leader within the highly competitive automotive industry, Ms. Cervantez brings a fresh perspective, high energy and marketing savvy to the business at a time when there are increasing choices for consumers within the grocery channel. Ms. Cervantez will spearhead Raley’s brand management and strategic marketing, and help drive simple and clear messaging to consumers.

Ms. Cervantez oversees the company’s Advertising, Marketing, Customer Relations, Corporate Communications and Public Relations teams. Ms. Cervantez cultivated her marketing skills in 15 years with Ford Motor Company, rising from an entry-level Marketing Specialist to VP, Marketing, Jaguar Cars. She later went on to lead marketing at Mercedes Benz, Hyundai and Jacuzzi Group Worldwide.

“Michelle is a savvy marketer, a leader in her field, who has the talent, the energy and the expertise to tap into what makes a brand special,” said Bill Coyne, Raley’s President & CEO. “She has the capacity for learning the nuances of the grocery business quickly and building team synergy to achieve our objectives.”

Career Highlights:

Ford Motor Company (1988-2003): Served as VP, Marketing, Jaguar Cars and led brand strategy for all markets as Global Process & Strategy Manager

Mercedes-Benz, USA (2003-2005): Vice President, Marketing

Hyundai Motor America (2005-2006): Vice President, Marketing

Jacuzzi Group Worldwide (2007-2009): Chief Marketing Officer

Named among the Top 100 Women in Automotive and the 100 Most Influential Hispanics

MBA, Marketing and Finance, University of Notre Dame

BS, Business Administration, Marketing, USC