The Kroger Co. announced on Wednesday the appointment of Aldi vet Liz Ferneding to lead its Ruler division as president, effective July 31.

The Ruler division, headquarter in Indiana, operates 48 stores in Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. Ruler stores average 19,000 square feet and offer lower prices and an expansive selection of private label foods.

Ferneding moves to Kroger from Aldi, where she served in a number of leadership roles for the last 11 years, including an international assigned in Australia. She was promoted to director of corporate buying earlier this year.

"Liz's extensive grocery retail experience in procurement, marketing, advertising, management and operations will be an asset to our Ruler associates, customers and community," said Kroger Chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen. We have a lot of respect for the Ruler format and the customer it serves. Liz's talent and insights will help us sharpen our value-centric, small-format stores."