Kroger appoints Kimball president of Smith's

Kroger on Wednesday said Kenny Kimball, currently VP of operations in the company's Smith's division, will serve as president of Smith's, effective April 30.

Kimball succeeds Jay Cummins, whose retirement was announced in February.

"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," Rodney McMullen, Kroger's chairman and CEO said in a statement. "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."

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Kimball joined the company in 1984 as a courtesy clerk in the Smith's division. He served in several leadership roles with Smith's, including store manager, district manager and bakery director. In 2009, Mr. Kimball was named Smith's SVP of sales and merchandising. In 2012, he was named VP of merchandising for the Ralphs division, and in 2013 was named VP 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. From its division office in Salt Lake City, Smith's 18,000 associates serve customers in 138 stores throughout seven western states.

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