Donnelly Named SVP-Merchandising at Kroger

SN STAFF

CINCINNATI — Kroger Co. said Monday it has named Michael J. Donnelly senior vice president of merchandising. He had been president of the company's Ralphs Grocery Co. division in Los Angeles since 2007.

Michael J. Donnelly

He fills a position previously held by Don Becker, who died unexpectedly earlier this year. Donnelly's successor at Ralphs has not yet been named, a Kroger spokesman told SN.

Donnelly began his career at Fry's of California in 1978 and was president of Kroger's Fry's division from 2000 to 2002. He had also worked in Kroger's headquarters as group vice president for drug/general merchandise in 2002 and 2003.

He will also join the board of DunnhumbyUSA, the joint venture between Kroger and the British marketing firm Dunnhumby. He will relocate to Kroger's Cincinnati headquarters "mid-summer," Kroger said. In his new position, Donnelly will lead all merchandising and procurement for Kroger.

"We are very pleased to have Mike join our team as our senior vice president of merchandising. He is well respected within our company and the industry for his merchandising excellence," said Rodney McMullen, president and chief operating officer of Kroger. "Mike's extensive industry experience will help Kroger continue to build and strengthen our partnerships with suppliers and vendors that are so important to Kroger's success."