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CINCINNATI — David Dillon will retire as chief executive officer of Kroger Co. effective January 1, 2014. He will continue to serve as chairman of the company’s board of directors until December 31, 2014.
David Dillon will retire as chief executive officer of Kroger Co. effective January 1, 2014. He will continue to serve as chairman of the company’s board of directors until December 31, 2014.
Succeeding Dillon as CEO will be W. Rodney McMullen, who has been president and chief operating officer since 2009. Before that, McMullen filled a number of executive roles, including vice chairman; executive vice president of strategy, planning and finance; and chief financial officer.
"As Kroger implements its strategic growth initiatives, the time is right for the transition of leadership," Dillon said in a statement. "I am delighted that the board has elected Rodney McMullen to succeed me. Rodney has played a leadership role in every major decision Kroger has made for the past 25 years, including the development and implementation of Kroger’s Customer First approach as well as our current growth strategy. He is ready to be CEO."
Kroger recently reported strong results for the second quarter of its 2013 fiscal year, with net income rising 13.6% to $317 million. The grocer also recorded its 39th consecutive quarter of identical-supermarket sales growth.
"I am honored to have this unique opportunity to serve our company and gratified by the board’s confidence in me," said McMullen. "I am excited to lead our efforts to build on Kroger’s market position and competitive advantages to drive value for our shareholders and to strengthen our deep connection with our great associates, our millions of customers and the communities we call home."
