Following a failed merger and the departure of its CEO and chairman, The Kroger Co. has announced new leadership changes.
Kroger promoted Victor Smith, president of the company’s Atlanta division, to senior vice president of Retail Divisions, the company stated. He was promoted to president of the Delta Division in 2018 and became president of the Atlanta Division in 2022. Smith joins Valerie Jabbar and Joe Kelley as Kroger senior vice presidents of retail divisions.
The company has promoted Monica Garnes, currently president of the Fry’s Division, to president of the Atlanta Division. She was vice president of Produce/Floral Merchandising at General Office in 2015 before becoming Fry’s president in 2018. In addition, Kroger has promoted Ken DeLuca, president of the Michigan Division since 2018 and former vice president of operations at the Dillon’s operation, to president of the Fry’s Division.
Following the retirement of Tom Schwilke, president of the Ralphs Division, Kroger announced that it has promoted Kendra Doyel, currently president of the Food 4 Less/Foods Co Division and former Ralph’s vice president of merchandising, to the role he is leaving. Kroger also announced that Colleen Juergensen, president of Kroger’s Central Division, is retiring.
Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons Cos. effectively failed under United States Federal Government scrutiny in late 2024. Kroger chairman and CEO Rodney McMullen departed the company in early 2025, and subsequent leadership changes followed.
“We are excited to promote several talented senior executives to key roles that will position Kroger for future success,” said Ron Sargent, Kroger’s Chairman and CEO. “Victor Smith, Monica Garnes, Kendra Doyel, and Ken DeLuca are strong leaders with decades of experience, and I look forward to their continued success in their new roles. I also want to thank Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke for their many contributions to our customers, associates, and shareholders. We wish them well in their well-deserved retirements.”
