CINCINNATI – The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) announced the promotion of Kenny Kimball, currently vice president of operations in the company’s Smith’s division, to serve as president of Smith’s, effective April 30. Mr. Kimball succeeds Jay Cummins, whose retirement was announced in February.
“Kenny’s passion for developing associates and his commitment to putting our customers first will further accelerate growth in our important Smith’s division markets,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “Kenny brings to this role leadership experience at all levels of our business and a record of success as both an operator and a merchandiser. We look forward to his leadership as president of Smith’s.”
Mr. Kimball joined the company in 1984 as a courtesy clerk in the Smith’s division. He served in several leadership roles with Smith’s, including store manager, district manager and bakery director. In 2009, Mr. Kimball was named Smith’s senior vice president of sales and merchandising. In 2012, he was named vice president of merchandising for the Ralphs division, and in 2013 was named vice president of operations for Ralphs. Mr. Kimball most recently served on special assignment at Kroger’s general office in 2015, before taking on his current role in February.
From its division office in Salt Lake City, Smith’s 18,000 associates serve customers in 138 stores throughout seven western states.
Every day, the Kroger Family of Companies makes a difference in the lives of eight and a half million customers and 431,000 associates who shop or serve in 2,778 retail food stores under a variety of local banner names in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Kroger and its subsidiaries operate an expanding ClickList offering – a personalized, order online, pick up at the store service – in addition to our 2,231 pharmacies, 784 convenience stores, 323 fine jewelry stores, 1,387 supermarket fuel centers and 38 food production plants in the United States. Kroger is recognized as one of America’s most generous companies for its support of more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners, breast cancer research and awareness, the military and their families, and more than 145,000 community organizations including schools. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable.
Contacts: Media: Keith Dailey, (513) 762-1304; Investors: Kate Ward, (513) 762-4969
