Kroger has confirmed a series of senior leadership promotions and retirements across its U.S. retail divisions.
Victor Smith, the current Atlanta division president, has been promoted to senior vice-president of retail divisions. Smith joined Kroger in 1983 as a courtesy clerk in the Ralphs division and has since held various roles in store operations, merchandising, and divisional leadership.
Monica Garnes, president of the Fry’s division, has been appointed president of the Atlanta division. Garnes joined the retailer in 1995 in the Columbus division, serving as produce buyer, store manager, and district manager before becoming president of Fry’s in 2018.
Ken DeLuca has been promoted to president of the Fry’s division. He has led the Michigan division since 2018 and has served on boards supporting charitable and community organizations.
The company announced the retirement of Tom Schwilke, president of the Ralphs division. Schwilke joined Kroger in 2019 as president of the Dallas division and moved to Ralphs in 2020, following earlier leadership roles at Safeway.
Kendra Doyel, president of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co division, will succeed Schwilke.
Separately, Colleen Juergensen, president of the central division, has announced her retirement after 45 years with the company. She joined in 1981 and progressed through leadership roles in the Dillons and Smith’s divisions.
Kroger chairman and CEO Ron Sargent commented on the leadership changes. “We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to key roles that will position Kroger for future success. Victor Smith, Monica Garnes, Kendra Doyel, and Ken DeLuca are strong leaders with decades of experience, and I look forward to their continued success in their new roles,” Sargent said.
“I also want to thank Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions to our customers, associates, and shareholders. We wish them well in their well-deserved retirements.”