Kroger central division head retires

CINCINNATI — Robert Moeder, president of Kroger's central division, is retiring from the company after more than 40 years in the retail industry.

"During his 42-year career, Bob has consistently demonstrated his passion for and commitment to our associates, our customers and our local communities," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's president and chief operating officer. "His improvement of our convenience store division and support on launching supermarket fuel has contributed to Kroger's connection with customers and increased value for shareholders."

Moeder, originally from Kansas, began his career with Dillon Companies Inc. in 1971 working part-time for its Calhoun's clothing division while attending college in Salina, Kansas. He earned a degree in computer science from Kansas State University in 1971 and was recognized as a distinguished alumnus in 2008. Moeder also is a 1993 graduate of Leadership Kansas.

He was named president of Calhoun's in 1984. In 1985, he joined Kwik Shop Inc., a convenience store division of the Dillons Company, as assistant director of operations. He became EVP Kwik Shop in 1991, and he was promoted to VP convenience stores and Turkey Hill Dairy in 1995. In 1999, he was named corporate VP convenience stores, supermarket petroleum group and Turkey Hill Dairy. In 2006, he was promoted to serve in his current role as president of Central Division.

During his tenure at Kroger Central Division, Moeder oversaw a strategic restructuring of the division, including a significant number of new store openings, expansions, remodels and store closings, leading to almost $1 billion in store investments and nearly 2,000 new jobs. Under his leadership, Central Division acquired Scott's Food & Pharmacy in Fort Wayne and pursued a more than $105 million capital investment project across the Fort Wayne region. His passion for people guided effective investments in community relationships and increased community support to nearly $15 million per year.