Kroger announces staff changes

The Kroger Co. announced multiple personnel moves on Tuesday, headlined by the upcoming retirement of Sukanya Madlinger, the SVP of retail divisions.

Calvin Kaufman, currently the president of Kroger’s Louisville division, will be promoted to succeed Madlinger when she officially steps down June 19.

Ann Reed, presently VP of Customer 1^st Promise at Kroger’s general office, will be promoted to replace Kaufman.

Sukanya Madlinger (Photos: Kroger)

Madlinger leaves the industry following a 31-year run at Kroger.

Starting in 1986 as a store management trainee, she would go on to hold a variety of leadership positions and became the VP of drug/general merchandise/pharmacy merchandising and procurement for Kroger’s corporate office in 2003.

In 2008, Madlinger would serve as the VP of merchandising for the Cincinnati/Dayton area, before being promoted to president of the division in 2010. She was elevated to her current role in 2015.

“Throughout her accomplished career, Sukanya has exemplified true leadership,” Rodney McMullen, CEO and chairman of Kroger, said via statement. “Sukanya's focus on developing future talent and fostering strong partnerships helped build a deep bench of leaders to sustain Kroger's future growth. The entire Kroger family wishes her and her family the best in retirement."

Calvin Kaufman

In speaking of her replacement, Madlinger had this to say: "Calvin is an unwavering advocate for improving the customer and associate experience in ways that will accelerate growth and create shareholder value." Kaufman began working for Kroger in 1994.

“His passion for strengthening our corporate culture and clarifying our company purpose makes him a natural fit for our leadership team."

Ann Reed

Kaufman’s replacement, Ann Reed joined Kroger in 1993. She started as a co-manager of the Central division.

“Ann has shown tremendous leadership in driving our Customer 1st Promise and company purpose into our business strategy," McMullen added in the statement. "Ann brings to our Louisville division team her dedication to and deep understanding of our customers, associates and communities."

Kroger currently fields just under 2,800 stores under various banners in 35 states and Washington, D.C.