The Kroger Co. today unveiled a series of executive promotions and retirements designed to strengthen its retail operations and support long-term growth. Chairman and CEO Ron Sargent highlighted the elevation of four division presidents to new roles, underscoring Kroger’s commitment to internal talent development. With more than 420,000 associates serving over 11 million customers daily, the company aims to leverage these leadership changes to drive operational efficiency and enhance customer experience across its 2,700+ stores nationwide.

Victor Smith, a 40-year Kroger veteran, has been promoted from president of the Atlanta Division to senior vice president of Retail Divisions. Smith’s career began in 1983 as a courtesy clerk; he has since held key roles including vice president of Operations in Houston and president of both the Delta and Atlanta divisions. As SVP, he will oversee cross-divisional merchandising and store operations, reporting directly to the CEO. Smith’s board service with the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and recognition as 2025 CEO of the Year by the Georgia Minority Business Association signal strong stakeholder credibility.

Monica Garnes moves from president of the Fry’s Division to lead the Atlanta Division, succeeding Smith; her 31-year tenure includes roles in merchandising and district management. Ken DeLuca, with 38 years at Kroger and experience overseeing merchandising and operations in multiple divisions, will assume Garnes’s former role at Fry’s. Kendra Doyel, a 28-year Kroger associate with a background in merchandising and HR leadership, will succeed retiring Ralphs president Tom Schwilke. These appointments align leadership expertise with high-growth markets and are expected to accelerate same-store sales and margin expansion in key regions.

Long-serving presidents Colleen Juergensen and Tom Schwilke announced retirements after 45 and 42 years in retail, respectively. Juergensen will depart as president of the Central Division, where she oversaw significant e-commerce integration and margin improvements. Schwilke’s exit from the Ralphs Division follows seven years steering that chain to record customer satisfaction scores. Kroger’s transparent succession planning—with internal candidates ready to step into each role—minimizes disruption and preserves continuity as the company pursues market share gains and sustainability targets under its Purpose to Feed the Human Spirit™.