CINCINNATI — Don McGeorge, who as president and chief operating officer of Kroger Co. was influential in developing many of the retailer’s strategies, including its private brands and centralized operations, is retiring after 32 years with the company, the retailer said Thursday. Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s vice chairman, will assume the responsibilities of president and COO on Aug. 1, the company added.

McGeorge, 55, began his career with Kroger as a store co-manager in Louisville, Ky. He went on to serve as President of Kroger’s Michigan and Columbus Divisions and was later named executive vice president, responsible for all sales and merchandising, before being elected to his current role in 2003.

“Don is a rare executive who combines strong strategic and merchandising skills with a deep respect for his fellow associates,” David B. Dillon, Kroger’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

McMullen, 48, joined Kroger in 1978 as a part-time store clerk. He has since held positions of including corporate controller, chief financial officer and executive vice president of strategy, planning and finance. In his current role, his responsibilities include strategic initiatives, business planning, customer research, finance, corporate technology, real estate, logistics, fuel initiatives and the company’s convenience and jewelry stores.

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