Persistence pays off for another Kroger exec

Kroger showed its tendency to promote longtime executives to key senior leadership roles again with the naming of a 32 year veteran to serve as president of its 138 store Smith’s division based in Salt Lake City.



Kenny Kimball was elevated to the role of president of Smith’s after previously serving as VP of operations. Kimball joined Smith’s in 1984 as a courtesy clerk and succeeds Jay Cummins who announced his retirement in February. Kimball assumes his new responsibilities April 30.



"Kenny's passion for developing associates and his commitment to putting our customers first will further accelerate growth in our important Smith's division markets," said Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO. "Kenny brings to this role leadership experience at all levels of our business and a record of success as both an operator and a merchandiser. We look forward to his leadership as president of Smith's."



After joining Smith’s in 1984, he went on to serve as a store manager, district manager and bakery director. In 2009, Kimball was named Smith's senior vice president of sales and merchandising. In 2012, he was named vice president of merchandising for Kroger’s Ralphs division, and in 2013 was named vice president of operations for Ralphs. Kimball most recently served on special assignment at Kroger's general office in 2015, before taking on his current role in February.



The 138 stores in the Smith’s division represent about 5% of Kroger’s 2,778 food stores and are located in seven western states.