Kroger has elevated Victor Smith to Senior Vice President of Retail Divisions, joining two existing SVPs and overseeing performance across all operating segments. Smith’s four-decade trajectory—from courtesy clerk at Ralphs in 1983 to Atlanta Division President in 2022—underscores Kroger’s focus on internal talent development. His oversight of merchandising and operations in multiple divisions, combined with board roles at the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste Foundation and the Georgia Food Industry Association, positions him to align category, store and e-commerce strategies under a unified retail structure.

Monica Garnes and Ken DeLuca assume leadership of the Atlanta and Fry’s divisions, respectively, after distinguished 30+ year careers. Garnes, a 31-year veteran who held merchandising and store leadership roles across Columbus and Fry’s, brings board experience at the University of Rhode Island and Arizona Commerce Authority. DeLuca, with 38 years spanning Michigan, Dillon’s and Columbus divisions, adds depth from past vice president roles in operations and merchandising and nonprofit board experience in children’s services and cancer support. These appointments aim to improve regional merchandising, supply chain efficiency and community engagement.

Kroger announced the retirements of Tom Schwilke, Ralphs Division President since 2020, and Colleen Juergensen, Central Division President since 2016, capping careers of 42 and 45 years, respectively. Kendra Doyel, promoted from Food 4 Less/Foods Co leadership to Ralphs Division President, will drive integration of merchandising, HR and regional operations, backed by her board leadership at the California Grocers Association. These planned transitions mitigate leadership risk and preserve institutional knowledge critical to executing Kroger’s long-term retail strategy.