Kroger Appoints Senior VPs

The Kroger Co. has named M. Marnette Perry as senior vice president of strategic initiatives and operations, and has promoted Michael Ellis to senior VP of retail divisions.

The appointments support Kroger’s long-term growth plans announced last week. “Kroger’s highly experienced leadership team has the skill and deep understanding of our customers to grow our business, engage our associates and deliver shareholder value,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s president and COO.

Perry will lead Kroger’s retail operations and several strategic initiatives, including efforts to reach value-conscious customers. In her previous role, she was responsible for eight supermarket divisions. Perry recently led the team responsible for Kroger’s “faster checkout” rollout, which the grocer said has reduced customer wait times at checkout from an average of four minutes to 30 seconds. She joined Kroger in 1972 as a part-time cashier and has held many leadership positions during her Kroger career, including president of the Michigan and Columbus divisions.

“Marnette’s experience in turning ideas into action in our floral and natural foods departments, and our faster checkout initiatives, will enhance the spirit of innovation at Kroger,” McMullen said.

Ellis has been president of the company’s Portland, Ore.-based Fred Meyer division since 2006. Since joining Fred Meyer at age 16, Ellis has held a number of leadership positions in the company, including VP of Fred Meyer’s food group and Kroger group VP for grocery, drug, general merchandise, pharmacy and advertising.

In his new position, Ellis will oversee five supermarket divisions plus Kroger’s jewelry and convenience store group. “Mike’s strong commitment to our customers and associates, paired with his dynamic leadership skills, make him a great fit for this role,” McMullen said.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,425 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.