Gelson’s mourns former president Robert (Bob) Stiles
Gelson’s mourns former president Robert (Bob) Stiles
Robert (Bob) Stiles, who served as president of Gelson’s from 1996 to 2011, died Thursday, Nov. 26. Mr. Stiles worked at the company for over 51 years.
A San Fernando Valley native, Mr. Stiles began working for Gelson’s in Burbank in 1960 as a grocery clerk. He worked his way up to assistant manager, grocery manager and store director of the Tarzana and North Hollywood stores. After that, Mr. Stiles moved to the company’s corporate office to become the director of grocery merchandising and then vice president of marketing before taking on the role of president. He retired in early 2012.
Robert (Bob) Stiles
As president of Gelson’s, Mr. Stiles was credited with solidifying the company’s reputation for quality, service and unique product selection. The company said his influence is evident in Gelson’s expanded and extensive selection of organic and locally grown foods, and the modern and environmentally friendly design elements incorporated into each Gelson’s Market.
"Bob was a 'people person.' He had a way of making every person feel important and special. He was the type of leader that gave all the credit to his team, and shunned the spotlight for himself," the company said. "He was a great mentor, coach and friend to all."
Mr. Stiles was instrumental in nearly doubling the Gelson’s scholarship fund and championed the company’s ongoing support of community schools, places of worship and charitable organizations. He served on the California Grocers Association board for six years before being elected chairman of the board for 2004-05. In 2007, Mr. Stiles was inducted into the California Grocers Association Educational Foundation Hall of Achievement. He was also elected to the Unified Grocers board of directors in 1999.
"Bob’s philosophy was that you should have fun at work — and he made it fun for all of us who had the privilege of working with him," the company said. "He had a very quick wit, and every day he would do or say something to bring a smile to our faces. He enjoyed what he did, and he enjoyed the people he worked with.
"Gelson’s lost an important member of our family and an important part of our history," the company said. "Bob will be missed, but his legacy will live on in our stores, in our people, and in the Gelson’s way of doing business."