Aldi veteran joins executive team of Kroger's value format

The Kroger Co. has named a veteran of discount grocer Aldi to Kroger's own low-cost division.



Kroger on Wednesday appointed Liz Ferneding as president of Ruler, effective July 31. She succeeds Paul Bowen, who retired in May.



Ferneding joins Kroger from Aldi, where she has served in a variety of leadership roles for the last 11 years, including an international assignment in Australia. Upon her return to the U.S., Ferneding was promoted to marketing director. In February, she was promoted to director of corporate buying.



Kroger's Ruler unit operates 48 locations in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio and Tennessee. Stores, which average 19,000 sq. ft., offer low prices and an expansive selection of Our Brands foods. Ruler will open two new stores later this year.



"Liz's extensive grocery retail experience in procurement, marketing, advertising, management and operations will be an asset to our Ruler associates, customers and community," stated Rodney McMullen, Kroger chairman and CEO. "We have a lot of respect for the Ruler format and the customer it serves. Liz's talent and insights will help us sharpen our value-centric, small-format store."



"Liz's extensive grocery retail experience in procurement, marketing, advertising, management and operations will be an asset to our Ruler associates, customers and community," stated Rodney McMullen, Kroger chairman and CEO. "We have a lot of respect for the Ruler format and the customer it serves. Liz's talent and insights will help us sharpen our value-centric, small-format store."