Kroger's SVP of retail to retire, replacement named
Kroger has announced changes to the company’s leadership. Effective April 1, senior vice president of retail divisions Mark Tuffin will retire after more than 26 years with the company. Kenny Kimball, current president of Smith’s, one of Kroger’s many banners, will take over as senior vice president.
In the new senior vice president role, Kimball will oversee several retail divisions, including Kroger’s private brands, and in the interim, will also have responsibility for the Smith's Division. The moves come as Kroger continues to expand its footprint across the country, with recent fulfillment centers opening in Louisville, KY and Forest Park, GA.
"Mark is a tremendous leader whose passion for our customers and our people will leave a lasting legacy across the many divisions he has led," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. "We thank Mark for his dedication throughout the years and wish him all the best in retirement."
Tuffin began his career in the grocery industry at Smitty's in Arizona where he held various positions before joining Smith's in 1996. At Smith's, Tuffin served in several leadership roles and was named vice president of merchandising in 1999. In 2009, he was promoted to vice president of transition, leading an organizational restructuring of the Kroger enterprise's then 18 retail divisions. Tuffin moved back to Smith's in 2011 to serve as president before taking on his current role as senior vice president of retail divisions in 2014.
Kimball joined the organization in 1984 as a courtesy clerk in the Smith's division, followed by serving in several leadership roles, including store manager, district manager and bakery director. He was then promoted to group vice president of retail operations before being named senior vice president of sales and merchandising in 2009. In 2012, Kimball accepted the role of vice president of merchandising for the Ralphs division. He was then named vice president of operations for Ralphs in 2013. Kimball took on a special assignment for the organization in 2015 before returning to Smith's as vice president of operations in 2016. He was promoted to president of the division later that year.
"Kenny is truly an inspirational leader that effectively balances a passion for people and a passion for results with tremendous experience across our organization, ranging from courtesy clerk to division president," said McMullen. "He is driven, passionate, and respected for his ability to see the big picture while also putting his associates and customers first. We're excited to bring his perspective and experience to our senior leadership team."