Kroger Names Marlene Stewart President of Dillons

Marlene Stewart, VP of merchandising at The Kroger Co.'s Seattle-based QFC division, has been promoted to president of the national retailer's Hutchinson, Kan.-based Dillon's division. A Progressive Grocer Top Women in Grocery in 2012, Stewart replaces Joe Grieshaber, who was recently named president of Kroger's Columbus division.

"Marlene combines a passion for people and proven merchandising and operations leadership," said Mike Ellis, Kroger's president and COO. "We look forward to Marlene bringing her knowledge of our customers and business, and commitment to our associates, to the Dillons team."

Stewart started her career with Kroger in 1977 as a bagger in the company's Cincinnati division, where she worked full-time while attending the University of Cincinnati. She went on to serve in many leadership roles in Cincinnati, including store and district management, training and merchandising.

In 2005, Stewart was named director of operations for Kroger's Mid-Atlantic division before being named VP of operations in 2007.

Named to her current role in 2011, Stewart has been involved in a variety of community organizations throughout her career, serving on the boards of local food banks, the Girl Scouts and the United Way.

Kroger operates 2,625 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names.