Fey to Lead Kroger’s QFC Division

Joe Fey has been promoted to president of the Kroger Co.’s Quality Food Centers Division, based in the Seattle area.

VP of merchandising for the company’s Michigan Division, Fey, 57, succeeds Donna Giordano, who was recently promoted to president of the Ralphs Division in California.

“We are pleased Joe has agreed to join our QFC division,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger president and COO. “Joe has always led with a passion for developing great people and delivering the highest-quality products to our customers. His skills as a mentor and expert merchandiser will help QFC continue to be the quality and service leader in the Pacific Northwest.”

Fey brings nearly 35 years of retail experience to QFC. He began his career as a meat clerk with Kroger in 1972 while earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration at Indiana University. He was quickly promoted to a variety of leadership positions including store management, deli/bakery merchandising, and meat/seafood merchandising in both the company’s Central Division and corporate office in Cincinnati. In 1999, Fey was named VP of merchandising for the Dillons Division, and in 2008 was named VP of merchandising for the Michigan Division.

Founded more than 60 years ago, Quality Food Centers operates 68 supermarkets from its headquarters in Bellevue, Wash.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,449 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith’s.