Kroger's Fred Meyer Head Departs for Non-grocery CEO Spot
CINCINNATI -- Darrell Webb, president is leaving the Kroger Co. here to become c.e.o., chairman and president of fabric and craft retailer Jo-Ann Stores Inc.
For the last four years, Webb had served as president of Kroger's Portland, Ore.-based Fred Meyer division. Prior to that, he was group v.p. for procurement and president of the Kroger's Quality Food Center division.
At Hudson, Ohio based Jo-Ann Stores, Webb replaces Alas Rosskamm, who is retiring from the specialty retailer but will stay on as a board member.
"We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Webb as the new leader of the Jo-Ann Stores team," said Rosskamm. "We are confident that with his extensive experience with a successful high SKU, large format retailer, Darrell will build on the company's repair initiatives and institutionalize the disciplines necessary to drive improved operating margins."
In light of Webb's understanding of both branding and value retailing, Rosskamm further noted, "he is the right leader to reposition Jo-Ann with a more compelling value proposition in both sewing and crafting."
For his part, Webb said: "Jo-Ann Stores is a strong brand with a proud tradition and many loyal customers. I look forward to the tremendous opportunity we have to restore the company's growth."
For the last four years, Webb had served as president of Kroger's Portland, Ore.-based Fred Meyer division. Prior to that, he was group v.p. for procurement and president of the Kroger's Quality Food Center division.
At Hudson, Ohio based Jo-Ann Stores, Webb replaces Alas Rosskamm, who is retiring from the specialty retailer but will stay on as a board member.
"We are very pleased to welcome Mr. Webb as the new leader of the Jo-Ann Stores team," said Rosskamm. "We are confident that with his extensive experience with a successful high SKU, large format retailer, Darrell will build on the company's repair initiatives and institutionalize the disciplines necessary to drive improved operating margins."
In light of Webb's understanding of both branding and value retailing, Rosskamm further noted, "he is the right leader to reposition Jo-Ann with a more compelling value proposition in both sewing and crafting."
For his part, Webb said: "Jo-Ann Stores is a strong brand with a proud tradition and many loyal customers. I look forward to the tremendous opportunity we have to restore the company's growth."