Kroger names 2 new division heads
Kroger has named two new division presidents, one of whom is succeeding a longtime company veteran. Bruce Lucia, who has been with the company for 44 years will retire as president of Kroger’s Atlanta division, to be succeeded by Tim Brown, president of the Cincinnati/Dayton division, effective Sept. 1. Michigan division president Scotty Hays will take over Brown’s division, also effective Sept. 1.
Lucia joined Kroger in 1974 as a store clerk, then serving as a store manager, field specialist and district management in the Atlanta division. He held leadership is other divisions before being named Michigan division president in 1996, the heading the Columbus division in 1996. He has been in his current role in Atlanta since 2000.
"In his more than 40 years with Kroger, Bruce has earned the admiration and respect of his teammates by forging real, genuine connections with associates and customers," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Bruce has been a tremendous mentor to countless associates throughout our business. He will leave a legacy of strong, hard-working teams who care about each other. We wish Bruce and his family all the best in retirement."
Brown, who will take over for Lucia, has been with Kroger since he started as a bagger when he was 17. After joining the company’s management training program in 1981, he has served in leadership positions across nine of Kroger’s divisions. From 2010 to 2012 he served as vice president of operations for the Mid-Atlantic division. He came to lead the Cincinnati/Dayton division in 2015 after three years leading the Delta division.
"Tim is passionate about our customers, our associates and our community and dedicated to our purpose, To Feed the Human Spirit," said Mr. McMullen. "His leadership in supporting Restock Kroger will continue to drive business results in our Atlanta Division and help us achieve our vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift."
Taking over Brown’s position at the head of the Cincinnati/Dayton division is Hays, who has been with Kroger since April 2017, when he joined as vice president of operations for its Fry’s division, quickly being promoted to his current role. His work experience includes time as part of the leadership of Albertsons’ San Antonio division. He also helped grow Albertsons’ Texas and Louisiana markets, and served as vice president of operations for Jewel Osco in the Chicago Market and president of Albertsons’ Dallas-Fort Worth market before joining Kroger.
"In just a short time with the company, Scott has already made a lasting impact," said Mr. McMullen. "Scott's passion for people and wealth of grocery and retail experience makes him an ideal leader for Kroger as we work to redefine the customer experience. We look forward to Scott's leadership of Restock Kroger in our Cincinnati/Dayton division."
Kroger said it would name Hays’ successor at a later date.
Lucia joined Kroger in 1974 as a store clerk, then serving as a store manager, field specialist and district management in the Atlanta division. He held leadership is other divisions before being named Michigan division president in 1996, the heading the Columbus division in 1996. He has been in his current role in Atlanta since 2000.
"In his more than 40 years with Kroger, Bruce has earned the admiration and respect of his teammates by forging real, genuine connections with associates and customers," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Bruce has been a tremendous mentor to countless associates throughout our business. He will leave a legacy of strong, hard-working teams who care about each other. We wish Bruce and his family all the best in retirement."
Brown, who will take over for Lucia, has been with Kroger since he started as a bagger when he was 17. After joining the company’s management training program in 1981, he has served in leadership positions across nine of Kroger’s divisions. From 2010 to 2012 he served as vice president of operations for the Mid-Atlantic division. He came to lead the Cincinnati/Dayton division in 2015 after three years leading the Delta division.
"Tim is passionate about our customers, our associates and our community and dedicated to our purpose, To Feed the Human Spirit," said Mr. McMullen. "His leadership in supporting Restock Kroger will continue to drive business results in our Atlanta Division and help us achieve our vision to serve America through food inspiration and uplift."
Taking over Brown’s position at the head of the Cincinnati/Dayton division is Hays, who has been with Kroger since April 2017, when he joined as vice president of operations for its Fry’s division, quickly being promoted to his current role. His work experience includes time as part of the leadership of Albertsons’ San Antonio division. He also helped grow Albertsons’ Texas and Louisiana markets, and served as vice president of operations for Jewel Osco in the Chicago Market and president of Albertsons’ Dallas-Fort Worth market before joining Kroger.
"In just a short time with the company, Scott has already made a lasting impact," said Mr. McMullen. "Scott's passion for people and wealth of grocery and retail experience makes him an ideal leader for Kroger as we work to redefine the customer experience. We look forward to Scott's leadership of Restock Kroger in our Cincinnati/Dayton division."
Kroger said it would name Hays’ successor at a later date.