Kroger’s Paul Bowen retires after 46 years of service

CINCINNATI — The Kroger Co. on Tuesday announced the retirement of Jay C and Ruler division president Paul Bowen after 46 years of service, effective June 21. His successor will be named at a later date.

Bowen began his career with Jay C in 1971 as a produce department manager before taking a military leave of absence to serve in the U.S. Army from 1972 to 1976. He returned to Jay C in 1976 and advanced to hold a number of leadership positions. In 1988, Bowen was promoted to director of training and development for the division. He was instrumental in leading Jay C's merger with Kroger in 1999, spending two years as the transition project leader. In 2001, he was named VP of operations before being promoted to SVP in 2002. Bowen has held his current role since 2003, where he oversees 71 Jay C and Ruler stores operating in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee.

"For more than four decades, Paul's leadership, vision and passion has helped Jay C and Ruler create customer-first shopping environments that have shaped the way we do business across our business," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "I salute Paul for his years of service to our associates and customers as both a leader and veteran. The entire Kroger family wishes Paul and his family all the best in retirement."

Bowen and his wife, Margaret, look forward to traveling to new places and spending time with their two grandchildren.