CINCINNATI – The Kroger Co. has announced several leadership changes across its sourcing, private brands and retail divisions, strengthening its executive team and advancing its customer-first strategy.
Ed Oldham Named Head of Sourcing
Kroger has appointed Ed Oldham as Head of Sourcing, effective August 4. Oldham joins the company from PetSmart, where he served as Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, overseeing distribution and transportation across North America. With more than 25 years of experience spanning retail, CPG, and consulting, Oldham has led planning, buying, replenishment, operations, and sourcing decisions across multi-billion-dollar categories at companies including Petco, Walmart, Ernst & Young, and Walgreens.
“Ed brings a wealth of knowledge from his time working at and supporting a variety of different retailers,” said Ron Sargent, Chairman and CEO of Kroger. “Sourcing plays a critical role in ensuring we provide lower prices to our customers every day. We look forward to Ed bringing his unique experience to this role and helping us improve the customer experience.”
Ann Reed to Lead Our Brands
Ann Reed, currently president of Kroger’s Cincinnati-Dayton division, has been named Group Vice President of Our Brands, also effective August 4. Reed began her career as a co-manager in Kroger’s Central division in 1993 and has since held a range of leadership roles in merchandising, operations and category management across multiple divisions.
“Ann has deep experience across our organization, and she understands what our customers want to buy,” said Sargent. “She worked in divisions throughout the country getting to know how our customers want to shop and what they want to buy. Ann is bringing a great perspective on the ways we can better take advantage of the significant growth opportunities Our Brands represents for Kroger.”
Jake Cannon Named President of Cincinnati-Dayton Division
Replacing Reed, Jake Cannon will become president of Kroger’s Cincinnati-Dayton division on August 1. Cannon, currently president of the Louisville division, began his Kroger career as a Produce clerk in 1999. Over the past two decades, he has held roles including store manager, district manager and vice president of Operations in the Cincinnati-Dayton division.
“Jake is a great merchandiser and leader who understands the Cincinnati-Dayton division that Kroger calls home,” said Sargent. “He knows how to run successful stores that our customers love, support his associates and invest in our communities. We look forward to the great things that Jake will bring to Greater Cincinnati.”
Josh Harpole to Lead Louisville Division
Kroger also appointed Josh Harpole, currently vice president of Deli, Bakery and Prepared Foods, as president of the Louisville division. Harpole joined Kroger in 1994 as a courtesy clerk in the King Soopers division and has served in multiple leadership roles, including vice president of Merchandising for the Louisville division.
“Josh knows how to lead great teams,” added Sargent. “He has deep experience across our company as well as spending time leading our strategy in categories we know are important to our customers. Josh makes selling fun, and he will be a great addition to our team of division presidents as well as an asset to the Louisville community.”
