Kroger Taps New Perishables Chief

Jeffrey D. Burt has been promoted to group VP of perishables merchandising and procurement at the Kroger Co.

Burt, 48, previously served as VP of deli/bakery merchandising and procurement for the company, a position he has held since 2004. Before that, Burt held leadership roles at QFC, the Kroger division based in Seattle. Burt began his career with Kroger in 1986 as a management trainee. He has held a variety of significant management positions with the company in Cincinnati, Indianapolis and Seattle, including store manager and produce merchandiser.

“Jeff is an excellent merchandiser with a deep understanding of our customers’ preferences in the perishable departments,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger president and COO. “His experience and leadership will help guide the growth of our important produce, meat, seafood, deli and bakery offerings.”

Kroger, the nation’s largest traditional grocery retailer, employs more than 334,000 associates at 2,468 supermarkets in 31 states under two dozen local banner names.