Cincinnati-based Kroger announced a handful of executive promotions to support its Restock Kroger initiative.

"We are making progress on redefining the customer experience, and our high-performing leaders are determined to maintain that momentum in year two of Restock Kroger and beyond," says Mike Donnelly, Kroger's executive vice president and chief operating officer. "Each of these promotions is consistent with Kroger's track record of strong succession planning and will help ensure we continue driving toward our growth objectives."

Tim Massa, Kroger's senior vice president of human resources and chief people officer, added: "We have a leadership team that combines deep experience with creative new talent. In our dynamic retail environment, we continue to look to experienced and capable leaders to take on key senior officer roles while also developing high performing leaders and teams, including bringing in outside talent, as part of Restock Kroger."

The promotions include:

  • Mary Ellen Adcock, senior vice president, retail operations
  • Joe Grieshaber, senior vice president, merchandising
  • Robert Clark, senior vice president, supply chain, manufacturing and sourcing

Kroger also announced several promotions to division president, including Dennis Gibson moving from the King Soopers division to president of the Fred Meyer division. Dan De La Rosa will move from the Columbus division to the King Soopers division. Joe Kelley has been promoted to president of the Houston division, where he'll succeed Marlene Steward, who will retire in July.

The moves come a month after Kroger stock dropped following fourth-quarter results that fell short of expectations.