Longtime Kroger vet jumps ship for Target

A 30-year veteran of The Kroger Co. has joined Target Corp. to head up the discounter’s struggling grocery business.



Target has appointed Jeff Burt as senior VP, grocery, fresh food and beverage, effective April 10.



Burt joins Target from The Kroger Co., where he was most recently the president of the Fred Meyer division. In this role, he was responsible for the executive management of stores, fuel stations, distribution centers, manufacturing plants and 38,000 employees. During his 30-year career at Kroger, Burt held a number of leadership positions, including leading the chain’s central division, overseeing various merchandise categories, overall merchandising and operations.



Target has been working to turnaround its grocery business, which accounts for one-fifth of the company’s sales. The retailer has been searching for a new grocery head since Anne Dament left the company last year amid continuing grocery sales declines.



Burt will report to Target’s executive VP and chief merchandising officer, Mark Tritton.



“After an extensive search to find a new leader to join our team, I’m confident that Jeff is the right person for the charge. His vast industry expertise will accelerate our plans to bring a unique food and beverage experience to Target guests,” said Tritton.