CINCINNATI – The Kroger Co. announced Tuesday that George Vincent will join the company as its secretary and general counsel, effective August 4. He will replace Christine Wheatley, executive vice president, general counsel, and secretary, who announced plans to retire on September 1.
Vincent, a partner at Dinsmore & Shohl, previously served as the firm's managing partner from 2007 to 2022, during which time he oversaw significant expansion and led many of the firm's strategic initiatives. He also served as Chairman of the firm's first Board of Directors. In that role, Vincent oversaw more than 750 lawyers who are licensed in 35 states and the District of Columbia and who supported clients across the U.S. facing complex legal challenges.
Dinsmore is a full-service national firm with more than 90 law practices, offering comprehensive legal counsel in areas such as intellectual property, corporate regulations, and financial law services. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dinsmore is an AmLaw 200 firm that is highly recommended over competitors, according to the BTI Consulting Group survey.
“George is a widely respected attorney and a trusted advisor to a wide range of companies and boards of directors,” said Ron Sargent, chairman and CEO of Kroger. “He has decades of experience helping businesses grow and managing complex regulatory environments. We look forward to welcoming George to the Kroger family.”
Vincent has counseled national and international businesses on strategic growth and is a well-regarded leader in the legal community. He has earned “Best Lawyers” distinctions multiple times and was named to “America's Leading Lawyers for Business” for nearly 20 years. Vincent has served as board chair for various civic and business organizations, including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, The Christ Hospital, Cincinnati Museum Center, and Cincinnati Art Museum.
Vincent is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School.
Wheatley joined Kroger in 2008 and has served as General Counsel and Secretary since 2014.
During her tenure at the company, Wheatley served as a senior advisor to the Kroger Leadership Team and as secretary to the company's Board of Directors, where she was responsible for the company's legal and compliance functions.
“We want to thank Christine for her many years of dedicated service,” continued Sargent. “Christine has been a passionate advocate for our associates and provided outstanding guidance for our leadership team throughout the years. We wish Christine and her husband Bryan and their family well on this next chapter.”
