A Shift in Leadership at Kroger

CINCINNATI, Nov. 22, 2024 – A Shift in Leadership at Kroger

Today marks a significant change in the leadership at Kroger Co., one of the nation’s largest grocery retailers. The company announced that Stuart Aitken is stepping down as senior vice president, chief merchandising and marketing officer, as he looks to pursue new professional opportunities. Aitken will stay on until December 31, 2024, ensuring a smooth transition.

Who’s Taking Over?

Stepping into Aitken’s shoes will be Mary Ellen Adcock, who is currently serving as the senior vice president of operations. Kroger’s chairman and CEO, Rodney McMullen, expressed confidence in Mary Ellen’s capability, calling her a “respected leader” who brings invaluable experience to the role. After spending over 25 years with Kroger in various roles, Adcock is well-prepared to drive value for customers and growth for the company.

Aitken’s Contributions

In his time at Kroger, Aitken has made significant contributions, notably in evolving the company’s brand and bringing innovative products to the shelves. McMullen highlighted Aitken’s key role in integrating dunnhumby and establishing 84.51º, a company dedicated to data analytics. McMullen expressed gratitude for Aitken’s efforts and wished him the best as he starts this new chapter in his career.

Meet Mary Ellen Adcock

Mary Ellen Adcock brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Since 2019, she has led strategic operations at Kroger, impacting over 2,700 stores across 35 states and supporting more than 416,000 associates. Every day, she helps serve around 11 million customers, ensuring everything runs smoothly from customer interactions to employee experiences.

Adcock has been instrumental in implementing initiatives that focus on efficiency and safety. For six consecutive years, she has delivered over $1 billion in annual operations savings, allowing Kroger to reinvest those funds to lower prices for customers and increase wages for associates. Notably, she developed the Full, Fresh & Friendly: Every Customer Every Time program, aiming to enhance the shopping experience for everyone who walks through those store doors.

Community Commitment

Another major accomplishment of Adcock’s is her leadership in Zero Hunger | Zero Waste, Kroger’s ambitious initiative to combat hunger and reduce waste in communities. Under her guidance, the company saw 100% store participation in its surplus food rescue program, marking a significant milestone in their commitment to support local communities.

The Road Ahead for Kroger

As the leadership transition unfolds, the current senior vice presidents of operations—Valarie Jabbar and Kenny Kimball, along with Paula Kash—will continue to oversee various divisions within the company. They will now report directly to McMullen, ensuring that operational consistency and excellence remain a priority during this period of change.

Kroger’s Ongoing Mission

At its core, Kroger remains dedicated to its purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™. With nearly 420,000 associates working to provide a seamless shopping experience to 11 million customers daily, the company is committed to serving America through food inspiration.

The upcoming months will be an exciting time for Kroger as it embraces the transition in leadership and continues to innovate and serve the communities where it operates.