Kroger divisional exec to exit company

Russ Dispense, president of the King Soopers division of The Kroger Co., plans to retire on July 1 after 51 years with the company.



Dispense began his career with Kroger in 1965, when he joined King Soopers as a courtesy clerk. He served in various leadership positions in stores and district management through the years, as well as at warehouses, manufacturing plants and administrative offices. Dispense was promoted to VP of retail operations and merchandising for the King Soopers division in 1983. He also served as VP of real estate.



In 1999, he was promoted to president of Smith's Food and Drug Stores in Salt Lake City, and was named to his current role as president of King Soopers/City Market division in 2001. The company will announce his successor at a later date.



"Throughout his distinguished career, Russ has always been known for his passion for the community, King Soopers and for people,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. “Under Russ's leadership King Soopers has grown significantly while remaining Colorado's favorite grocery store in a highly-competitive market. Russ will end his incredible career as our longest-serving King Soopers president."