Dive Brief:
- Kroger has named Joe Kelley, president of its King Soopers & City Markets division, to be senior vice president of retail divisions, the grocer announced Tuesday.
- Kelley succeeds Kenny Kimball, who has served in the position since April 2022 and will return to his previous role as president of Kroger's Smith’s banner.
- Kelley’s appointment is the latest in a string of recent executive changes at Kroger in the wake of its unsuccessful effort to merge with Albertsons.
Dive Insight:
Kelley brings nearly 40 years of experience to his new role as leader of Kroger’s retail divisions. Before joining Kroger in 2019, he worked at Albertsons, where he focused on Shaws Supermarket and Star Market, according to his LinkedIn profile. Earlier in his career, he served as New England president for Ahold Delhaize banner Stop & Shop and held executive positions at Marsh Supermarkets and Price Chopper/Market 32.
“Joe is a customer-centric leader who brings broad industry experience, with a strong track record of making stores great places to shop,” Ron Sargent, chairman and interim CEO of Kroger, said in a statement.
Kroger did not give a reason for its decision to replace Kimball, who has worked for the grocery company since 1984, as retail divisions chief.
“We are grateful for Kenny’s leadership as he stepped up to oversee multiple retail divisions in addition to Smith’s,” Sargent said. “His commitment to our associates and customers is inspirational, and he will continue to play a key role in our enterprise, supporting strategic priorities and mentoring young leaders.”
Kroger also announced that it has promoted Chris Albi, group vice president of operations at King Soopers & City Markets, to president of the division. Albi joined Kroger in 1981 and has served in several leadership roles, including as president of the company’s QFC banner, according to her profile on LinkedIn.
Kroger also said Tuesday that Kendra Doyel, who has worked for Food 4 Less, Ralph’s and Fry’s, will replace Bryan Kaltenbach as president of Food 4 Less. Kaltenbach is retiring after working in the grocery sector for more than 50 years.
The executive changes Kroger announced this week follow its appointment of Ahold Delhaize veteran Rudy DiPietro as president of its Dallas division, promotion of Yael Cosset to executive vice president and chief digital officer, and addition of David Kennerley as CFO. The company is also searching for a new permanent CEO to replace Rodney McMullen, who resigned suddenly in March.
