Kroger’s SVP of Retail Ops to Retire

Paul Scutt, senior VP of retail operations at the Kroger Co., will retire in late February 2011 after a 45-year career with the company.

“Paul has been a driving force behind Kroger's safety, productivity and cost-control improvements,” said David B. Dillon, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Under Paul’s leadership, the company has significantly reduced employee accidents, improved management of product shrink and other operating costs, and instituted process changes that have allowed Kroger to invest in its Customer 1st strategy.”

Rodney McMullen, president and COO, added: “Paul has been an important leader in our company and his influence on our business operations will be felt for many years to come. He led us in creating solutions that allow Kroger to operate safer and more efficient stores.”

Scutt began his career with Kroger in 1965 as a store clerk. In 1970, he left Kroger to serve in the U.S. Army, including a 15-month tour in Vietnam. Upon his return from military service, Scutt earned his degree from Indiana University and entered Kroger’s management training program. In 1976, he became a store manager and quickly rose through the company’s operations and merchandising leadership positions.

Scutt was named VP of the Dillon Companies in 1997 and in 2000 he was appointed president of the Kroger Central Marketing Area, based in Indianapolis. In 2002, Scutt became an officer of the company and joined the senior executive team based in Cincinnati, leading retail operations.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,468 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.