Kroger names senior VP Michael Ellis as president and COO

Cincinnati -- The Kroger Co. named Michael L. Ellis, senior VP of retail divisions, as president COO effective January 1, 2014, completing the succession plan announced in September.



In September, Kroger announced that chairman and CEO David B. Dillon will retire as CEO on January 1, 2014, and will continue to serve as chairman through December 31, 2014. He will be succeeded by W. Rodney McMullen, Kroger's president and CO, effective January 1, 2014.



Ellis, 55, has been serving in his current role since 2012. He leads five retail supermarket divisions, plus Kroger's jewelry and convenience store businesses. He previously served as president of Portland-based Fred Meyer – the company's largest operating division by revenue – for six years.



"Mike's broad-based experience on both the food and general merchandise sides of our business make him a great fit for this role," said Dillon. "Mike is a team builder who will be a great partner with our entire leadership team. We look forward to his dynamic leadership of Kroger's diverse operations."