Kroger Names Jeff Burt President of Central Division

The Kroger Co. has promoted Jeff Burt to president of the company's Central Division, which operates 136 food stores primarily in Indiana and Illinois.

Burt, 50, has been group VP of perishables merchandising and procurement since 2010. He succeeds Bob Moeder, who recently announced his plans to retire this spring.

"In his 27-year career with Kroger, Jeff has demonstrated strong leadership skills and a deep understanding of our business," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger president and COO. "His enthusiasm, keen sense of the customer, and experience in merchandising and operations will be tremendous assets to the Central Division team."

Burt began his career with Kroger in 1986 as a management trainee. He has held a variety of leadership positions with the company in Cincinnati, Florida, Indianapolis and Seattle, including store manager, produce merchandiser and vice president of merchandising and operations. In 2004, he was named corporate vice president of deli/bakery merchandising and procurement, before being promoted to his most recent role in 2010.

The Kroger Central Division has 136 food stores, 114 pharmacies and 75 fuel centers operating under four banners; Kroger, Scott's, Owen's and Pay Less, with locations primarily in Indiana and Illinois, in addition to three stores in Missouri, one in Michigan and one in Ohio.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,422 supermarkets and multi-department 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.