Kroger's chief associate experience officer to retire
A member of The Kroger Co.’s C-suite will retire at the end of the summer.
Tim Massa, executive VP and chief associate experience officer, will retire on Sept. 18 after more than 15 years with the grocer. Kroger says his successor will be named at a later date.
Massa joined Kroger in 2010 following a 21-year career at The Procter & Gamble Company. He joined the company as VP of talent development, and proceeded to rise through a series of senior leadership roles, including group VP of human resources and labor relations, chief people officer, senior VP and executive VP and chief associate experience officer. Massa has served in his current role since March 2025.
"Tim has been a relatable and trusted leader throughout his time at Kroger," said Kroger CEO Greg Foran, who took the reins of the grocer in February. "He cares deeply about our associates and built a people organization that supports and respects them. We appreciate Tim's many contributions over the years and wish him all the best in his retirement."
As Kroger's most senior human resources executive, Massa is credited with having led the company's strategy across talent, leadership development, labor relations, total rewards, associate well-being and culture. Massa was an early architect of Kroger's New Beginnings program, which creates pathways for hourly associates to build long-term careers with the company.
His tenure spanned some of the most consequential moments in Kroger's recent history, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Massa also helped author Kroger's Framework for Action diversity, equity and inclusion program.
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"Tim Massa is the kind of leader every company hopes to have, and every board is fortunate to work with," said Ron Sargent, chairman of Kroger's board. "For 16 years, Tim has been a champion for Kroger's associates and a trusted partner to our board of directors. He built a world-class people organization, navigated the company through some of its most defining moments and quietly shaped a generation of leaders who will carry Kroger forward for years to come.”
Based in Cincinnati, The Kroger Co. operates approximately 2,800 stores under a variety of banners across the U.S., including Kroger, Fred Meyer, Ralphs, Dillons, Smith's, King Soopers, Fry's, QFC, City Market, Owen's, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker's, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick 'n Save, Metro Market and Mariano's.
