Bell becomes the second executive tapped as a leader of the new holding company
ST. LOUIS, Nov. 11, 2025 – Todd Schnuck, Chairman and CEO of 1939 Group, Inc. – the newly created holding company for Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers and Schnuck Markets – announced today Schnucks executive David Bell’s appointment as President of 1939 Group, Inc. In this critical leadership role, Bell will execute the vision, direct organizational strategy and oversee day-to-day operations for 1939 Group, reporting directly to Schnuck.
“With 1939 Group, we have a shared purpose to unite family-owned, community-centered grocery companies under one umbrella. As the leader charged with executing that purpose, David bears a tremendous responsibility to maintain the unique points of difference, distinctive local identities and authentic cultures of those banners entrusted to our care. But also to explore the advantages of sharing ideas and innovation, platforms and technologies, and best practices, to ensure ongoing stability and fuel growth,” said Schnuck. “I have worked closely with David at Schnucks over the last 35 years, and he brings a wealth of institutional knowledge and proven leadership that we are lucky to have. With him in this key leadership role, we have the strategic foundation necessary to begin the work of defining our collective future as one family of companies within 1939 Group.”
While setting up the framework for 1939 Group, Bell will provide critical leadership and guidance during the effort to define the optimal operational model for the newly created holding company. Longer term, he will solidify 1939 Group as a scalable platform to drive continued growth, attracting like-minded partners and setting a new standard for the grocery industry.
“I am incredibly energized by the opportunity to lead the 1939 Group as its first President. This is a moment of tremendous potential, and I look forward to working with the leaders of Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers and Schnucks to create and execute a vision that guarantees the stability and growth of our entire family of companies,” said Bell. “In an industry often defined by consolidation and challenge, we are out to prove that regional, community-centered grocery companies can not only survive but thrive and grow.”
Bell will maintain a dual role as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, for Schnuck Markets. A member of the Schnucks Strategy Team, he will continue to oversee the banner’s accounting, corporate finance, treasury, real estate, construction and maintenance, asset protection, safety, legal, food safety, business development and human resources teams. Since beginning his career at Schnucks more than 40 years ago as a part-time bagger while in high school, Bell has held a number of roles with Schnucks while expanding his influence as a steady and strategic values-focused leader.
Announced in September 2025, 1939 Group, Inc. is a new holding company owned by the Schnuck family, named in honor of the year matriarch Anna Donovan Schnuck opened the family’s first store in St. Louis. In October 2025, 1939 Group confirmed the completion of the company’s acquisition of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, bringing the Wisconsin-based grocers together with Schnucks as one family of companies. Together, the family of companies encompasses 164 stores in four states, supported by nearly 19,000 total teammates and associates.
More Information About David Bell
Since joining Schnucks in 1984, Bell held a variety of store roles before moving to the Store Support Center in 1990 as a Financial Analyst. He was promoted to Director of Financial Planning & Budgeting in 1998 and Treasurer in 2006, before being named CFO in 2009. He was named to his current position of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial and Administrative Officer in 2024.
Bell is a graduate of the University of Missouri – St. Louis where he earned both his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and his MBA. In addition, he is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA).
Bell is a member of the board of directors for The DESCO Group and in 2016 was named the St. Louis Business Journal’s CFO of the Year.
In addition to serving on the board of the Foster and Adoptive Care Coalition, Bell and his wife, DeAnn, served as foster parents. The couple also actively supports the United Way. In 2014, Schnucks awarded Bell the Edward J. Schnuck Community Service Award, which honors teammates who make significant community contributions.
About 1939 Group, Inc.
1939 Group, Inc. (1939 Group) is owned by the family that founded Schnuck Markets, Inc. The name honors the year the family’s matriarch, Anna Donovan Schnuck, opened the first store in St. Louis. 1939 Group is based in St. Louis, Missouri, and owns a family of companies with a 164-store footprint across Missouri, Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, employing a workforce of around 19,000 between Festival Foods, Hometown Grocers, and Schnucks.
Festival Foods operates 42 stores across Wisconsin. Hometown Grocers, Inc. operates nine stores in Wisconsin under the following banners: Dave’s County Market, Denny’s Supervalu, Don’s Quality Market, Lake Mills Market, Lakewood Supervalu, Super Ron’s Food Center, Thompson’s County Market, Thorp Supervalu and Wittenberg Sentry Foods. Schnuck Markets, Inc. operates 113 stores, serving customers in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
