Kroger names King Soopers president

CINCINNATI - Kroger on Tuesday named Dennis Gibson president of the company's King Soopers division, effective July 1. Gibson replaces Russ Dispense, who recently announced his retirement after 51 years of service.

Gibson has been serving as president of the company's QFC division based in Seattle since 2014.

"Dennis is a proven executive whose passion for people and results has earned respect in our company and the industry," stated Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Dennis's commitment to our associates and customers will help ensure our business continues to grow. We look forward to his continued leadership at King Soopers."

Gibson brings 40 years of retail industry experience to his new role.  He began his career in 1976 with Grand Central discount department stores in Salt Lake City, Utah.  He joined Fred Meyer in 1984, where he held leadership roles of increasing responsibility for the next 27 years including store and district management, regional director and group VP store operations. In 2011, Gibson was named VP operations in Kroger's Columbus division, and in 2013 he was named to VP merchandising.

He was promoted to his current role in 2014.

Gibson will relocate to the Denver area. King Soopers is based in Denver and operates its namesake stores as well as City Market stores in Colorado, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.