Schnuck Markets names new chief people officer
ST. LOUIS – Debra Ogston has been appointed as the new chief people officer at Schnuck Markets, reporting to Anthony Hucker, chief operating officer, the company announced. Ogston also will serve on the senior management team that sets the direction for the company.
Ogston will transition into the roll formerly held by Rick Frede, who announced plans to retire in the fall of 2015. Formerly a VP human resources at Johnson Controls of Milwaukee, Wis., Ogston brings 23 years of experience into her duties of overseeing HR functions. Her responsibilities will include all aspects of HR, including talent and leadership development within the organization of 15,000 teammates in stores, offices, warehouses and facilities across the Midwest.
“We are excited to have Debra on board, as she brings a wealth of talent and experience that will help us leverage the talents of our greatest resources, our teammates, as we deliver on our mission to nourish people’s lives,” Hucker said. “Debra has the world-class expertise we need to help set direction and bring a new perspective to how Schnucks identifies, recruits, trains and promotes world-class talent in service of our customers.”
Ogston holds a Bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and an MBA in industrial and labor relations from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Throughout her career she has drawn upon her business background to transform HR and drive results through people.
While at Johnson Controls, Ogston was one of a cadre of VPs assigned to address HR needs across the organization of 170,000 people. Ogston’s responsibilities then included managing teams engaged in streamlining processes and integrating HR systems in locations around the world. Prior to that, she worked for food and beverage leaders, including E. & J. Gallo Winery of California, Pepsi Bottling Group and Kraft Foods/Nabisco.
Ogston and her husband, Joseph Saker, have one daughter and are new residents of St. Charles, Mo.