Kroger names new Fry’s, divisional leadership
As part of its Restock Kroger effort, Cincinnati-based Kroger has announced two promotions with regard to its divisions. The company named Steve McKinney — most recently president of Kroger’s Fry’s division — to the position of senior vice president of retail divisions, effective Feb. 5. Monica Gaines, currently corporate vice president of produce-floral merchandising, has been named president of Fry’s, succeeding McKinney to become the first African-American to lead one of the company’s divisions.
McKinney has been with Kroger since 1981, when he joined its former Florida Choice Supermarkets banner as a clerk, advancing through the ranks to field representative before joining Phoenix, Ariz.-based Fry’s in various leadership positions. He became vice president of operations at Fry’s in 1998 and became vice president of operations for Kroger’s southwest division in 2006 and was named vice president of operations for its Ralph’s division the following year. He was tapped to lead Fry’s in 2013.
“Steve's nearly 37 years of Kroger experience and deep knowledge of food retail will help our divisions continue to execute with excellence,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger's executive vice president and COO said. “Steve has always been passionate about creating uplifting associate and customer experiences. We look forward to him joining our senior leadership team as we continue to drive Restock Kroger.”
Gaines takes the helm of Fry’s with more than 20 years of Kroger experience under her belt, having joined the company’s Columbus division through a management training program in 1995. She has held such positions as human resources coordinator, produce buyer, store manager and district manager before becoming produce-floral merchandiser in the Columbus division. She became vice president of merchandising for Fry’s in 2013, and moved into her current role in 2015.
“Monica is a recognized leader in our business and across the industry,” Donnelly said. “She combines a willingness to embrace fresh ideas with a keen business savvy that yields real results. As the company's first African-American division president, we are excited to have Monica drive and influence change in our company through her expertise and perspective, and we are eager for her to bring her passion for people and results to Fry's.”
McKinney has been with Kroger since 1981, when he joined its former Florida Choice Supermarkets banner as a clerk, advancing through the ranks to field representative before joining Phoenix, Ariz.-based Fry’s in various leadership positions. He became vice president of operations at Fry’s in 1998 and became vice president of operations for Kroger’s southwest division in 2006 and was named vice president of operations for its Ralph’s division the following year. He was tapped to lead Fry’s in 2013.
“Steve's nearly 37 years of Kroger experience and deep knowledge of food retail will help our divisions continue to execute with excellence,” said Mike Donnelly, Kroger's executive vice president and COO said. “Steve has always been passionate about creating uplifting associate and customer experiences. We look forward to him joining our senior leadership team as we continue to drive Restock Kroger.”
Gaines takes the helm of Fry’s with more than 20 years of Kroger experience under her belt, having joined the company’s Columbus division through a management training program in 1995. She has held such positions as human resources coordinator, produce buyer, store manager and district manager before becoming produce-floral merchandiser in the Columbus division. She became vice president of merchandising for Fry’s in 2013, and moved into her current role in 2015.
“Monica is a recognized leader in our business and across the industry,” Donnelly said. “She combines a willingness to embrace fresh ideas with a keen business savvy that yields real results. As the company's first African-American division president, we are excited to have Monica drive and influence change in our company through her expertise and perspective, and we are eager for her to bring her passion for people and results to Fry's.”