Kroger makes divisional leadership promotions

With one of its divisional presidents retiring, Kroger has named new leaders for its central and Dillons divisions. The company on Tuesday announced retirement, effective Feb. 2, of central division president Pam Matthews, who has been with the company for 40 years. Kroger named Colleen Juergensen as Matthews’ successor and named Steve Dreher to the role Juergensen leaves as Dillons division president. 

"Pam's passion for our associates and the retail business has been demonstrated throughout her successful career with Kroger," said Mike Donnelly, Kroger's executive vice president and COO. "She has been an exceptional mentor and coach to many and will leave a legacy of caring, dedicated teams who care about each other and the customers and communities they serve."

Matthews joined Kroger as a courtesy clerk in the Fred Meyer division in 1980, holding various leadership roles in that division over the course of 25 years before becoming Kroger director of merchandising. She took over merchandising for the central division in 2006, followed by merchandising for the Delta division and a promotion to Delta vice president of operations. She was named QFC division president in 2016 and moved into her current role in 2018. DSN sister publication Progressive Grocer named Matthews one its Top Women in Grocery, and she also has been honored with the Indian Fever Inspirational Award. 

Taking over for Matthews, Juergensen has led the Dillons division since 2016 and has been with the company for more than 38 years after starting as a bakery clerk in her hometown of Great Bend, Kansas. She has served in various roles in the Dillons division, including store leader, district manager and director of advertising, as well as vice president of operations. She also has been vice president of operations and vice president of merchandising for the Smiths division. She also was recognized by Progressive Grocer as a Top Woman in Grocery

"Colleen has been very successful throughout her long career with the Kroger Family of Companies, and we know she'll continue to serve our associates, customers and communities with excellence as the leader of our Central division," Donnelly said. "Her diverse background in operations and merchandising joined with her passion for the community will help us deliver our vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift."

Juergensen’s role as Dillons president will be fileld by Steve Dreher, who has been with the company since 1985. His roles have included division labor specialist and labor manager, as well as district manager across several regions before he was named to his current role of Dillons division vice president.

"We are pleased to elevate Steve to the role of division president at Dillons," said Donnelly. "Steve has driven positive results in his role as vice president and understands the Dillons customer and market well. We look forward to his continuation of achieving great results and inspiring our associates to deliver the outstanding customer experience expected at Dillons."